[title not known] Verso: Sketch of a Head in Profile 

Editor: This sketch by John Flaxman, titled "Verso: Sketch of a Head in Profile," shows several groupings of figures. It reminds me of classical friezes. What's your interpretation of the subjects depicted? Curator: Flaxman was deeply influenced by classical antiquity. Notice how these figures, likely studies for larger works, evoke scenes of contemplation and mourning, reflecting the Neoclassical interest in portraying universal human emotions through historical and often idealized narratives. Editor: So it’s less about a specific event and more about representing broader themes? Curator: Precisely. The arrangement also echoes the print culture of the time, where images circulated widely, shaping public understanding of history and morality. It's about the role of art in shaping social and political ideals. Editor: That's a new perspective, seeing it in terms of the era's print culture. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It shows how art always exists within a web of cultural forces.