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Studies for a Monument with Angels Reaching Down to a Praying Figure [recto and verso]

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Studies for a Monument with Angels Reaching Down to a Praying Figure [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 angels with outstretched arms and flowing robes. Below them, a smaller figure kneels, hands clasped in prayer. The lines are light and rough, like hurried notes rather than a finished drawing. The two scenes are on the front and back of the same paper, suggesting the artist was testing ideas. The angels’ wings and drapery look almost like scribbled movement, not careful detail. Next, look up Romanticism to see how this style’s emotion and drama shaped art.