Designs for Monuments 

John Flaxman created these "Designs for Monuments" using graphite on paper. At first glance, the sheet presents a collection of sketched monument designs, each a study in neoclassical form. Observe how Flaxman uses minimal lines to define structures and figures, creating a ghostly, ethereal quality. The monuments, with their clean lines and symmetrical arrangements, evoke a sense of classical order and restraint. Flaxman’s approach is deeply rooted in formalism, emphasizing the intrinsic qualities of line and composition. The sketches, though simple, suggest a complex interplay between architectural space and human form, reflecting the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and order. The repetitive nature of the designs invites us to consider the underlying structures that govern our understanding of memory, representation and commemoration. Consider how Flaxman's formal choices – his emphasis on line, symmetry, and classical motifs – function not just aesthetically, but as part of a larger cultural discourse on memory and civic virtue.