Sheet of Studies, including a Man Battling a Centaur 

John Flaxman created this pencil sketch, “Sheet of Studies, including a Man Battling a Centaur," sometime before 1826. Flaxman lived during a time of revolution and change. His works often reflected the socio-political tensions between tradition and progress. The sketch captures the raw emotion and physical struggle between man and centaur. This reflects the enlightenment values of reason and order against the perceived chaos of instinct. Flaxman’s choice of a mythological subject is interesting because it allowed him to explore themes of heroism and conflict. Moreover, the sketch emphasizes human strength and determination. It echoes the era's fascination with classical ideals. It invites us to reflect on the boundaries between humanity and nature, order and chaos. It allows us to consider our own struggles for self-mastery.