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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 quick, loose drawings of people in groups—some standing, some sitting, all simplified into wavy lines. The lines are light, almost like doodles, with faint blue wash in the background. One corner has a brown stain, and the paper looks worn. The artist seems to focus on movement over detail, using simple shapes to suggest bodies and poses. The ink and graphite feel rushed, like notes for a bigger idea. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with lines.