Object Image

Design for a Frieze

A friend of William Blake and John Flaxman, Stothard worked in a range of media and his linear style was influenced by classical models. This drawing relates to one of a set of four friezes in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, works that Flaxman designed and Edward Hodges Baily, R.A. (1788-1867) carved in high relief. Responding to the "Wars of the Roses" the work represents pikeman with plumed helmets, trumpeters, and the mythical figure of Bellona whose torches urge opposing groups of archers into combat.

Credit: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1961...

1825-30
Pen, brown ink, brown wash
5.9 x 54.1cm
61.129.3
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection