Illustration to the Iliad 1795

John Flaxman created this line drawing, an illustration to the Iliad, using ink on paper. The stark, spare quality of the printmaking medium lends itself well to the subject: the drama of battle stripped down to its most essential elements. Notice how Flaxman relied on line alone to convey form, action, and emotion. The figures have a sculptural quality, reminiscent of classical friezes. Yet, this is no mere copy of antiquity. It's a translation through the lens of the printmaker's art. The choice of printmaking allowed for mass production and distribution, bringing Homer's epic poem to a wider audience during the late 18th century. In doing so, Flaxman democratized access to high culture, leveraging industrial means for artistic ends. He was part of a new movement. This challenged the traditional hierarchies of art and craft, bridging the gap between artistic vision and the mechanics of reproduction.