[title not known] by John Flaxman

[title not known] 

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Dimensions: support: 199 x 156 mm

Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate

Curator: This intriguing page held in the Tate Collections presents two architectural sketches by John Flaxman. Editor: Oh, I see them! It’s funny—I’m immediately struck by their quiet solemnity, like miniature temples waiting for stories. Curator: Flaxman, born in 1755, was a British sculptor and designer known for his neoclassical style. These drawings offer insight into his design process, showcasing his interest in classical forms. Editor: Definitely a whisper of ancient Greece or Rome. I’m wondering about the blank space in the center—it almost begs for an inscription or a scene to be filled in, don’t you think? It’s like a stage. Curator: Indeed. Consider the context of Flaxman’s time, marked by revolutionary ideas and a renewed interest in the classical world. These designs could be seen as a commentary on power, memory, and the public sphere. Editor: Hmm, I get that. For me, these drawings also feel like meditations on permanence and impermanence, the weight of history and the lightness of a sketch. Curator: Thank you. I think we've both been able to consider the architectural sketch within historical and personal contexts. Editor: Definitely. It's amazing how much a simple drawing can evoke, isn’t it?

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tate 1 day ago

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/flaxman-title-not-known-t10833

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