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Studies of a Kneeling Boy

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Studies of a Kneeling Boy 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 of a boy kneeling on one knee, his arms resting on his legs. The lines are loose and rough, like a fast study. The paper is light, and the graphite marks are faint in some spots, almost like the artist was testing shapes. The drawings focus on the boy’s posture and movement, with no extra details. This style feels more about practice than a finished work. Next, check out Flaxman, John to see how his sketches compare to his polished sculptures.