Design for a Monument 

John Flaxman created this delicate pencil sketch titled 'Design for a Monument' during a period of significant social and political upheaval, including the French Revolution and the rise of Neoclassicism. Flaxman, who was deeply influenced by classical antiquity, often imbued his works with moral and emotional depth. This design reflects the era's fascination with commemorating individuals, but it also subtly engages with themes of mourning and memory. The figures flanking what appears to be a tomb or memorial might represent mourners or allegorical figures. The drawing echoes the broader societal interest in commemorating public figures and events, while also reflecting personal experiences of loss and remembrance. Consider how Flaxman navigates the tension between public duty and private grief, mirroring the complex emotional landscape of his time.