Adam and Eve Guarded by the Angels 

John Flaxman made this drawing of Adam and Eve Guarded by the Angels using pencil and wash on paper. The immediacy of drawing allows for quick studies of form, and explorations of composition. Here, the graphic nature of Flaxman's marks shapes the narrative, evoking the sublime themes of creation and loss. Light and shadow are rendered through the washes, creating a sense of depth and drama, the angel’s forms built up from many rapid strokes. Drawing is often seen as a preliminary step, yet it embodies a directness that can be deeply expressive in its own right. In this work, Flaxman’s artistic labor is laid bare, capturing the essence of human experience. The medium itself supports the narrative of Genesis, the raw sketchiness embodying an emotional charge, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.