Women Carrying a Child in Her Arms 

John Flaxman made this drawing of a woman carrying a child in her arms around the turn of the 19th century. It embodies the neoclassical style then in vogue in Britain and beyond. But what does it mean to revive classical forms? The art world in Britain, where Flaxman spent most of his career, was deeply enmeshed with both the state and the church. Educated in the Royal Academy, artists like Flaxman were expected to produce morally uplifting works, often with religious or patriotic undertones. Here, however, Flaxman seems to eschew these overt messages. It is a tender image of maternal affection, evoking universal human experiences. But it also reminds us of the important role of women in society and their role in the creation of a new citizen of the state. Art history is not just about aesthetics, but also about understanding the values and beliefs of a society. By consulting archives, letters, and other primary source material, we can continue to learn more about Flaxman and his world.