Design for a Monument 

John Flaxman created this ink and wash design for a monument in the late 18th or early 19th century. Flaxman lived during a time of significant social and political upheaval, including the French Revolution and the rise of nationalism. The design, with its arched opening and depictions of mourning figures, presents a somber image of historical remembrance. The inclusion of a knight’s helmet, shield, and sword suggests a memorial to military valor, likely commissioned by the elite. Yet, notice the small figures in each corner who are hunched over and weeping. These figures strike an emotional chord, offering a counterpoint to the grandeur of the monument itself. Flaxman’s design captures the complexities of memory and the ways societies choose to memorialize individuals and events, reflecting the identities and values they wish to uphold.