Minerva, In The Guise Of Mentor, And Telemachus Pen And Wash

A rare and unique piece, this ink, pen and wash drawing comes from a series of several original works, from the dispersal of a private collection. Produced at the end of the 18th century, it is part of the line of creations of the famous John Flaxman (1755-1826), a great British illustrator, and his studio. Intended to illustrate Homer's Odyssey, this masterpiece combines the finesse of the line, the richness of the shadows and the mastery of the wash, characteristics that mark Flaxman's first graphic explorations before his period of simple outline line drawing on plain paper, adopted a few years later.
Historical and artistic context: John Flaxman, a major figure of neoclassicism, is known for his illustrations of major literary works such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. This drawing is part of the first stylistic experiments of the master and his followers, where the complexity of the shadows and the flexibility of the forms highlight mythological scenes. Unlike the refined contours adopted later (1793-1795), this technique of mixing wash and ink highlights an exceptional richness and depth in the interpretation of Homeric iconography.
Technique: Indian ink and wash applied with a pen and extremely fine brushes.
Support: High-quality watermarked paper, produced by the famous Maison Van der Ley (Holland), one of the most renowned papermakers in Europe in the 18th century, guaranteeing ideal conservation of pigments and details.
Artistic characteristics: Delicate shadows, subtle play of light and flexibility of the line, highlighting the elegance and technical mastery of the designer.

Dimensions without frame: Approximately 41 x 30 cm.
Framing: High-quality mat, ready to display.
Condition: Excellent, with pigments and support perfectly preserved despite their age.

A model inspired by the Odyssey: The work illustrates a mythological scene taken from the Homeric epic, immortalizing one of the many episodes of the Odyssey. This illustration testifies to the constant dialogue between art and literature, where drawing brilliantly interprets Homer's timeless stories through a neoclassical aesthetic.
Why is this work exceptional?
Original piece from the 18th century, witness to the creative process around the great Homeric illustrations.
Prestigious watermarked paper, typical of the workshops of excellence of the time.
Rare combination of ink, pen and wash in the works of this period.
Remarkable conservation, ready to join a private collection or to adorn a refined interior.

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