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Study for a Monument

John Flaxman

1790

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Study for a Monument 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 a seated person with their head tilted back, drawn in loose, quick lines. The figure’s legs are bent, and one hand rests near their knee. Above them, a faint outline of a draped figure floats—maybe a ghost or a spirit. The whole thing is drawn in gray ink over light pencil, looking like a fast, rough draft. The artist left some lines unfinished, like they were working fast or just testing shapes. This style fits a time when artists focused more on feeling than perfect details. If you like this sketchy, dreamy look, check out Romanticism next.