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Study for a Monument to a Clergyman [recto and verso]

John Flaxman

1820

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Study for a Monument to a Clergyman [recto and verso] is a 1820 graphite by John Flaxman, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Flaxman
When & what style?: 1820 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a rough, ghostly drawing of three figures in a shallow space. The lines are light and uneven, like quick notes. Two seated figures face each other, with a third standing between them, all draped in loose, flowing clothes. The drawing looks unfinished—almost like a practice run for a bigger work. The artist used only graphite, no colors or shading, so it feels more like a plan than a finished piece. Next, look up Flaxman, John to see how his style connects to this sketch.