Dimensions: support: 198 x 156 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: Here we have an undated drawing by John Flaxman, simply titled "[title not known]". It seems to depict figures flanking a blank frame, done in what looks like pen and ink. What strikes me is the simplicity of the line work. What do you see in terms of production? Curator: It's fascinating to consider this drawing in terms of its making. Flaxman's choice of pen and ink—readily available, relatively inexpensive—speaks to a conscious decision to prioritize efficiency and accessibility in his artistic practice. How might this choice affect how we perceive this work, and Flaxman’s broader artistic output? Editor: That's a really interesting way to look at it, considering the social implications of art materials. Curator: Exactly! By emphasizing the material and the means of production, we challenge notions of 'high art' and its associated elitism. Thinking about the availability of the materials is important, I would like to study it more.