Artwork
Donkey Stretching a Hind Leg
Donkey Stretching a Hind Leg 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
Overview
Donkey Stretching a Hind Leg is a graphite drawing on laid paper created by John Flaxman in 1790. It exemplifies the artist's skill in draftsmanship and his Neoclassical aesthetic.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a donkey stretching a hind leg, showcasing the animal's anatomy with visible ribs beneath its shaggy fur. It is one of over a hundred similar studies Flaxman made to simplify animal forms into clean lines.
Technique & Style
Executed solely in graphite on paper, the drawing demonstrates Flaxman's disciplined use of line and form. His approach was influenced by his training and time in Rome, reflecting his Neoclassical ideals.
Context
Flaxman's work was not limited to animal studies; he also created funerary monuments and illustrative works, showcasing his versatility as a sculptor and draughtsman.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Flaxman (6 July 1755 – 7 December 1826) was an English sculptor and draughtsman who was a leading figure in British and European Neoclassicism.
