Study of Two Women Grieving 1775 - 1787

John Flaxman made this drawing, Study of Two Women Grieving, on paper with graphite and gray wash. Flaxman was a master of line, and here he used graphite to achieve subtle gradations of light and shadow. He coaxed a full range of tonal values out of a humble pencil. The gray wash reinforces the somber mood, a thin veil of grief. Look closely and you can see how the controlled application of these materials evokes a sense of classical sculpture come to life. The drawing appears effortless, but like any skilled work, it took time and training to master. Flaxman had extensive training in the tradition of neoclassical drawing, and so it is an illusion of immediacy. There is a division of labor built into the very aesthetic of this drawing, one between the skilled hand and the intellectual concept. Ultimately, this work invites us to consider the value of craft and the labor involved in creating art. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the skill and dedication that go into bringing an artwork to life.