Sheet of Studies [recto and verso]

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

About this work

This sketch shows quick, rough drawings of people in flowing robes. The lines are light and shaky, like hurried notes. Some figures overlap, and the paper is worn in spots. The artist used only graphite, making the whole thing look like a fast study. The clothing looks old-fashioned, with lots of folds and drapery. Next, check out Romanticism to see how artists used emotion and movement in their work.