The Borghese Gladiator from the Statue in Rome 1774

John Downman's 1774 black chalk drawing, "The Borghese Gladiator from the Statue in Rome", captures the dynamic pose of a classical sculpture. The drawing, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Downman's skill in translating three-dimensional form onto a two-dimensional plane. The work exemplifies the artistic fascination with classical antiquity prevalent in 18th-century Britain, a period known for its neoclassical revival. Downman, a noted portraitist, demonstrates his mastery of anatomy and gesture in this study of the human figure.