Artwork

Design for Monument or Metalwork

Design for Monument or Metalwork, by John Flaxman, graphite, 1790
Design for Monument or Metalwork, by John Flaxman, graphite, 1790

Design for Monument or Metalwork is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist John Flaxman. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The National Gallery of Art, Washington holds this work, which is part of the Romanticism movement.

This drawing is called Design for Monument or Metalwork.
It was made by John Flaxman between 1820 and 1826.
The National Gallery of Art, Washington holds this work, which is part of the Romanticism movement.
It's interesting because Flaxman was active during a time when art was changing.
He was making art in the Romantic era, which was a shift from earlier styles.
Check out the movement: Romanticism.

Overview

Design for Monument or Metalwork is a graphite drawing by English artist John Flaxman, created between 1820 and 1826. It is held by the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Technique & Style

The drawing exemplifies Flaxman's skill with graphite and his engagement with classical forms, characteristic of his work in monumental and funerary designs. As a prominent figure in the transition to Romanticism, Flaxman's style reflects the era's shift in artistic expression.

History & Provenance

John Flaxman was trained under Josiah Wedgwood and later developed his illustrative style during a period in Rome, influencing his subsequent work, including sculptural designs and book illustrations.

Context

Flaxman's career spanned a time of significant change in the art world, as Neoclassicism gave way to Romanticism, a movement with which this drawing is associated.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Flaxman

Artist

John Flaxman

John Flaxman (6 July 1755 – 7 December 1826) was an English sculptor and draughtsman who was a leading figure in British and European Neoclassicism.

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