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The image shows abstract lines and shapes forming a pattern. Swirling lines blend into one another, occasionally resembling figures. On the right, geometric forms resembling cubes and polygonal shapes are visible, appearing like a three-dimensional structure. Faint outlines suggest groups of people standing or interacting within the composition.
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The image shows abstract lines and shapes forming a pattern. Swirling lines blend into one another, occasionally resembling figures. On the right, geometric forms resembling cubes and polygonal shapes are visible, appearing like a three-dimensional structure. Faint outlines suggest groups of people standing or interacting within the composition.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Angels Descending to the Daughters of Men

John Flaxman

Date
probably c. 1821
Medium
graphite//compositionally unrelated ink and wash recto and verso
Dimensions
overall: 12.7 x 20 cm (5 x 7 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1980.45.1639
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
Book of Enoch

Subjects and terms

  • religious
  • British
  • Apocryphal book of Enoch
Inscription

on verso in brown ink: Mess.r Longman & Co. send two / of the plates of Dante, with the / new writing, for Mr. Flaxman's / approbation. The big th[...] ma

NGA object ID 59386. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.