Three Reclining Female Figures 

John Flaxman created this pen and ink drawing, titled "Three Reclining Female Figures," at the turn of the 19th century. It captures a sense of classical repose, yet its existence as a sketch reveals much about artistic training in Britain at the time. Flaxman came from a modest background, but through the patronage of Josiah Wedgwood, he attended the Royal Academy Schools. Here, the study of the nude was considered essential for mastering the human form. In its classical simplicity, this sketch reflects the prevailing Neoclassical style, promoted by institutions such as the Royal Academy. Yet it may also be viewed as a transgressive act, given the era’s restrictive social mores around the representation of the female body. To fully understand this drawing, we need to examine the archives of the Royal Academy, letters between Flaxman and his patrons, and the visual culture of his time. Art history helps us understand how images reflect and shape our understanding of the world.