John Ruskin and the Victorian Eye

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The six essays in this collection provide an engaging exploration of the art and ideas of Victorian art critic John Ruskin, renowned as a leading tastemaker of his era. Rising to prominence in the 1840s through his passionate defense of J. M. W. Turner's paintings, Ruskin later supported Pre-Raphaelite artists like Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. As an Oxford lecturer and founder of the Saint George's Museum in Sheffield, he emphasized craftsmanship and the importance of historic monuments while advocating for art education across social classes. Ruskin believed that an artist's true gift lies in the ability to perceive and convey both moral and physical truths, a theme that unites the essays. Robert Hewison recounts key moments in Ruskin's life influenced by Renaissance art, while George P. Landow analyzes his unique writing style, characterized by "word paintings." Christopher Newall offers insights into Ruskin's distinctive drawings, and Susan Phelps Gordon discusses his critical responses to contemporary art, including the notable Whistler vs. Ruskin libel trial. Anthony Lacy Gully examines Ruskin's fascination with nature and his conflicts with the scientific community. Lastly, Susan P. Casteras reviews his museum theories as applied in the Saint George's Museum. Accompanied by 179 illustrations, including 40 in color, this volume features works by notable artists and Ruskin's own creations. A chronolog