Who painted Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?)?

Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?) was painted by John Flaxman in 1790.

Where can I see Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?)?

Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?)?

Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?)

John Flaxman , 1790

Head of Mary Magdalen and Two Saints (?) 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

This graphite drawing, created in 1790 by John Flaxman, features three head sketches on a single piece of aged paper. The composition includes a woman with curly hair and a neutral expression, a partially rendered man with obscured facial features, and another woman wearing a headband, all executed in bold, expressive lines with minimal shading.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a religious subject, tentatively identified as Mary Magdalen and two saints. The identities of the figures, however, remain uncertain, indicated by the questioning in the title. The work reflects Flaxman's application of Neoclassical principles to a Christian theme.

Technique & Style

Flaxman's Neoclassical style is evident in the drawing's precise, linear draftsmanship. Characteristic bold lines and restrained shading contribute to a sense of simplicity and expressive clarity, consistent with the aesthetic of Neoclassicism.

History & Provenance

Created during Flaxman's productive period, following his time in Rome and involvement with Josiah Wedgwood's pottery. The drawing's provenance details are not specified here, but its creation date of 1790 situates it within Flaxman's established career as a sculptor and draughtsman.

Context

This work was produced during a transitional time for Flaxman, after his formative years in Rome and his work with Wedgwood. It reflects his broader practice of applying Neoclassical ideals to various mediums and subjects, including religious and literary themes.

Legacy

As part of Flaxman's oeuvre, the drawing contributes to the broader legacy of Neoclassical art in Britain and Europe. While not specifically renowned on its own, it exemplifies Flaxman's contribution to the movement's spread through diverse artistic practices.