The image displays simplified human figures demonstrating different forms of carrying and lifting weights. It includes four line drawings showing figures in various postures related to physical exertion: one holding a triangular object outstretched, another balancing a rectangular weight across the shoulder, a third in a crouched position as if preparing to lift, and the last leaning sharply backward with arms raised. Each figure is accompanied by a dashed line indicating balance, and there are handwritten notes under each illustration describing the action.
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The image displays simplified human figures demonstrating different forms of carrying and lifting weights. It includes four line drawings showing figures in various postures related to physical exertion: one holding a triangular object outstretched, another balancing a rectangular weight across the shoulder, a third in a crouched position as if preparing to lift, and the last leaning sharply backward with arms raised. Each figure is accompanied by a dashed line indicating balance, and there are handwritten notes under each illustration describing the action.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Bearing a Weight; Preparing to Jump, and Alighting

George Scharf after John Flaxman

Date
published 1829
Medium
lithograph [proof before letters]
Dimensions
sheet: 26.5 × 19 cm (10 7/16 × 7 1/2 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1980.45.1707
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Flaxman's "Lectures on Sculpture:" pl.31

Subjects and terms

  • figure
  • British
  • Male figure
  • Man
  • Anatomy

NGA object ID 59455. 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.