Portrait of a Woman 

John Flaxman created this delicate pencil drawing, titled ‘Portrait of a Woman,’ during a time when the artistic and social landscape was shifting. Consider the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when ideas about gender and identity were being reshaped by Enlightenment ideals and revolutionary sentiments. In this context, Flaxman, known for his neoclassical style, presents a woman with a direct gaze and soft features. She wears a head covering, which was a common fashion at the time, yet it also adds an element of modesty. The simplicity of the drawing focuses our attention on her face, inviting contemplation about her inner life. This work can spark discussions about the representation of women in art. Does it perpetuate traditional ideals of femininity, or does it hint at a more complex identity?