Sheet of Studies [recto and verso]

John Flaxman

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of various abstract and sketchy figures distributed across the page. The drawing features an array of unclear and numerous small outlines that resemble gestural sketches of figures or forms. These drawings are scattered in a loosely organized manner, some overlapping, others standing alone. The use of light pencil strokes suggests a preliminary study or an artist experimenting with different forms and angles. There is no color, providing a stark and simple contrast between the pencil and the paper. The largest form in the center could be interpreted as a face or head-like structure with other smaller ambiguous figures surrounding it.