Artwork

John Flaxman

John Flaxman, by William Camden Edwards, ink, 1816
John Flaxman, by William Camden Edwards, ink, 1816

John Flaxman is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Camden Edwards. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print is a portrait of John Flaxman, created through a combination of engraving and possibly etching techniques on a papier collé base.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts an older man with curly hair and a serious expression, wearing a high-collared coat, with a plain dark background that emphasizes his features.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by etching or engraving a metal plate, a common method in the 1800s for creating detailed portraits, and then printing it.

History & Provenance

The engraving was created by William Camden Edwards in 1816, serving as a representation of John Flaxman.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.