Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by John Flaxman, 1800
Untitled, by John Flaxman, 1800

Untitled is a drawing by John Flaxman. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The drawing presents two female figures rendered in a swift, linear manner.

About this work

Sutton Sharpe" and "Miss Rogers" are scrawled below them, along with the date *June 10, 1800*—though the artist’s handwriting is messy.

This sketch shows two people from behind, walking together. One wears a long dress and holds a stick, while the other has a hat and carries a small case. The lines are loose and quick, like a hurried note.

The names "Mr. Sutton Sharpe" and "Miss Rogers" are scrawled below them, along with the date *June 10, 1800*—though the artist’s handwriting is messy. The drawing feels personal, like a snapshot rather than a polished work.

If you like this style, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.

Overview

The drawing presents two female figures rendered in a swift, linear manner. Their backs face the viewer as they move together, one holding a walking stick and the other a small case. Below the image, the names “Mr. Sutton Sharpe” and “Miss Rogers” appear alongside the date June 10, 1800, rendered in a casual hand that suggests a personal record rather than a formal commission.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of everyday travel in the early nineteenth century, emphasizing the modest attire and accessories typical of the period. By focusing on the backs of the figures, the artist invites viewers to consider the anonymity of ordinary life and the fleeting nature of such encounters, offering a quiet narrative of companionship and movement.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose, rapid lines, the drawing reflects a linear approach reminiscent of John Flaxman’s neoclassical drafts. The minimal cross‑hatching and gestural strokes convey form and volume without heavy shading, creating a sense of immediacy that aligns with sketch‑like studies rather than finished compositions.

History & Provenance

The piece is dated June 10, 1800, and bears the handwritten names of two individuals, suggesting it may have been a private memento or a record of a specific outing. Its informal hand and lack of formal signature indicate it was likely produced for personal use, remaining within a private collection before entering the museum’s holdings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Flaxman

Artist

John Flaxman

John Flaxman (6 July 1755 – 7 December 1826) was an English sculptor and draughtsman who was a leading figure in British and European Neoclassicism.