Who painted Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso]?

Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso] was painted by John Flaxman in 1797.

Where can I see Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso]?

Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso]?

Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso] is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso]

John Flaxman , 1797

Designs for a Monument to Sir William Jones (?) [recto and verso] is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist John Flaxman. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This graphite drawing, created circa 1797, features two rough sketches on a single sheet of light paper.

About this work

Overview

This graphite drawing, created circa 1797, features two rough sketches on a single sheet of light paper. The recto and verso showcase preliminary designs for a monument to Sir William Jones, characterized by quick, uneven lines suggestive of exploratory notes rather than a finished work.

Subject & Meaning

The sketches appear to depict two distinct compositional ideas for a commemorative monument. The top drawing shows a crowded, dimly lit scene with multiple figures in various poses, while the bottom sketch presents a simpler, potentially dialogical scene between two figures, possibly in an architectural setting.

Technique & Style

Executed primarily in graphite, with the verso enhanced by pen and gray ink, the work exemplifies John Flaxman's Neoclassical approach. The hasty lines and layered sketches reflect his design process, while the overall aesthetic aligns with his known engagement in funerary and commemorative art.

History & Provenance

Attributed to John Flaxman, a prominent English Neoclassicist sculptor and draughtsman, this drawing dates to around 1797. Flaxman's background, including his time with Josiah Wedgwood and in Rome, influenced his style, though specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.

Context

Created during Flaxman's established career, these designs sit within his broader practice of producing funerary monuments and book illustrations, reflecting the Neoclassical emphasis on commemoration and classical ideals.