Sheet of Studies [recto and verso] 

John Flaxman created this sheet of studies with pencil, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval in Europe. The studies on this sheet give us a glimpse into Flaxman’s artistic process and his deep engagement with both classical and Christian themes. As the son of a plaster cast seller, Flaxman had an intimate and early familiarity with classical sculpture. You can see this influence in the idealized forms and drapery of his figures here, as well as the way he is grappling with representing the human form and its emotional capabilities in a variety of poses. The artist uses the blank page to investigate scenes from Christian scripture, giving them a renewed sense of emotional intensity. The neoclassical style that Flaxman worked in often emphasized reason and order. However, here he also explores more expressive and dynamic compositions that capture the emotional gravity of his subjects. Flaxman’s focus on the human figure as a vessel for conveying moral and emotional truths reflects the broader cultural values of his time.