Sheet of Sketches, including Two Warriors Fighting 

John Flaxman made this sheet of sketches, including two warriors fighting, with graphite on paper sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The artist has made various quick sketches on the small sheet of paper to explore the composition and forms. Flaxman used graphite, a readily available material, and a simple drawing process to capture movement and drama. Graphite allows for quick, erasable marks, essential for sketching and refining ideas. The texture of the paper also influences the lines, giving the drawings a slightly rough, immediate quality. The act of sketching itself is significant; it's about process and exploration rather than a finished product. Flaxman's sketches would have been relatively inexpensive to produce, with the labor of the artist being the most significant investment. In his time, drawing was a skill learned through rigorous training, reflecting a tradition of craftsmanship valued within the art world. These sketches provide insights into the artist’s creative process, reminding us that even in fine art, the foundations lie in practical skills and the thoughtful manipulation of simple materials.