A study for 'Pandora brought to Epimetheus'

Details

John Flaxman, R.A. (1755-1826)
A study for 'Pandora brought to Epimetheus'
signed 'J. Flaxman-' (lower right) and inscribed 'Pandora presented by Mercury to Epimetheus' (lower centre)
pencil, watermark 'J KOOL'
11 5/8 x 15¾ in. (29.5 x 40 cm.)

Provenance

A.A. de Pass (L.2014a)

Literature

D. Irwin, English Neo-Classic Art, London, 1966, pl. 73.

Exhibited

London, Heim Gallery, John Flaxman, March-April 1976, no. 20.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

The present drawing is a study for plate seven of Flaxman's illustrations to Hesiod's Works, Days and Theogony, which were engraved by William Blake in 1817. These illustrations were the last of the great series of outline engravings that made Flaxman's name throughout Europe. It was Flaxman's practice to sketch a number of preliminary drawings for his plates before deciding on the final composition. Flaxman also exhibited a relief of Mercury descending with Pandora at the Royal Academy in 1805.

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