The Monument of Doctor Lawrence Humphrey n.d.

This is John Flaxman’s 1802 sketch of the monument of Doctor Lawrence Humphrey, made with graphite on paper. Though a preliminary drawing, it speaks volumes about the traditions of monument-making in late 18th century Britain. Consider the social context: funerary monuments were commissioned by the wealthy to project their status and piety. Flaxman, a leading sculptor and designer, here captures the essence of neoclassical memorial art, with its formal balance and idealized figure of Humphrey. The monument itself, likely carved from marble, would have involved skilled labor, from quarrying the stone to the intricate carving. While this sketch is a mere shadow of the monument’s final form, it underscores the hierarchies involved in artistic production, with Flaxman at the top, and many skilled artisans contributing to the final object. This interplay between design, labor, and social status is at the heart of understanding the full meaning of this artwork, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.