Sheet of Studies [recto and verso] after 1811

John Flaxman created this pencil sketch, titled Sheet of Studies, in the late 18th or early 19th century. The neoclassical style evokes the art of ancient Greece and Rome, which was seen as embodying ideals of reason, order, and civic virtue. During this period, there was a renewed interest in classical art and culture, fueled by archaeological discoveries and the writings of art historians like Johann Winckelmann. Artists like Flaxman looked to classical sculpture and vase painting for inspiration, seeking to emulate their simplicity and clarity. Flaxman was deeply enmeshed with institutions such as the Royal Academy, promoting this aesthetic. These drawings might reflect a desire to revive what was perceived as a purer, more noble artistic tradition. For historians, understanding this classical revival means delving into the social and political contexts that shaped artistic tastes and preferences of that time. Research into patronage networks, artistic academies, and the writings of contemporary critics will illuminate Flaxman’s art.