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Anne Flaxman (née Denman)

1 of 2 portraits of Anne Flaxman (née Denman)

by John Flaxman
plaster cast of medallion, circa 1790-1795
5 7/8 in. (149 mm) diameter
Purchased, 1931
Primary Collection
NPG 2488

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Sitterback to top

Anne Flaxman (née Denman) (died 1820), Artist; wife of John Flaxman. Sitter in 2 portraits.

Artistback to top

John Flaxman (1755-1826), Sculptor. Artist associated with 14 portraits, Sitter in 22 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait and its pair were made by the sitter's husband, John Flaxman. In his early years, Flaxman was employed by Josiah Wedgwood to design cameos, friezes and portrait medallions. Although these roundels show him and his wife, they reveal much about the artist and his patron. The original wax portraits, from which these medallions were cast, were probably made while the Flaxmans lived in Rome under Wedgwood's sponsorship. John Flaxman's seven-year stay in Rome transformed him from an obscure British designer and sculptor into a major international figure with a proven record in monumental sculpture and decorative design.