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Sheet of Studies [recto and verso]

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Sheet of Studies [recto and verso] is a 1790 graphite by John Flaxman, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Flaxman
When & what style?: 1790 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows four quick drawings in pencil. Two figures stand tall, one with a long robe, the other with flowing hair. The other two are seated or reclining, their forms loose and rough. The lines are light, almost like quick notes—no heavy shading or detail. These drawings look like practice, not a finished work. The artist was testing poses and shapes, not colors or textures. The paper is plain, and the pencil strokes are simple but full of movement. If you like this style, look up Romanticism next.