DISCOVERART

John Flaxman

Apollo and Diana

n.d.
Pen and black ink, over traces of graphite, on ivory wove paper, laid down on tan wove paper
21.4 × 28.9 cm (8.4 × 11.4 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

These are preparatory drawings for illustrations of Alexander Pope's translations of Homer. The conjunction of Flaxman and Pope presents the essence of English neoclassicism: Flaxman was one of its most influential artists; Pope perhaps its central poet. In these drawings, the severe economy of means and the predominant use of outline reflect the visual and moral austerity of the neoclassical aesthetic.

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