John Ruskin, English author, critic, and academic (d. 1900)

Who Was John Ruskin? A Victorian Polymath and Visionary

John Ruskin (8 February 1819 – 20 January 1900) stands as one of the most significant and influential figures of the Victorian era. An English writer, philosopher, and art critic, he was truly a polymath, possessing and demonstrating extensive knowledge across a remarkable array of disciplines. His intellectual curiosity spanned subjects as diverse as the geological formations of the Earth, the intricate details of architecture, the enduring power of myth, the delicate beauty of ornithology, the profound impact of literature, the principles of education, the delicate balance of botany, and the complexities of political economy.

This extraordinary breadth of interest allowed Ruskin to forge unique connections between seemingly disparate fields, believing that true understanding emerged from seeing the interconnectedness of all things, particularly between humanity, art, and the natural world.

Ruskin's Diverse Literary and Artistic Contributions

The remarkable variety of Ruskin's intellectual pursuits was mirrored in his prolific and varied writing styles and literary forms. Far from confining himself to a single genre, he masterfully employed:

• Detailed essays and scholarly treatises, offering profound insights into art, society, and nature.
• Evocative poetry and compelling lectures, designed to inspire and inform wider audiences.
• Practical travel guides and instructive manuals, sharing his observations and expertise.
• Extensive personal and public letters, which often served as platforms for his evolving social and political commentary.
• Even a captivating fairy tale, demonstrating his imaginative range.

Beyond his literary output, Ruskin was also an accomplished artist. He produced numerous meticulous sketches and detailed watercolour paintings. These artistic works were not merely decorative; they were an integral part of his observational method, capturing the nuances of rocks, plants, birds, expansive landscapes, intricate architectural structures, and delicate ornamentation. His artistic skill directly informed his critical understanding of visual art.

Initially, Ruskin's writing on art was characterised by an elaborate, often ornate prose style. However, as his focus broadened to include pressing social and political issues, his language evolved. He consciously adopted a plainer, more direct style, specifically designed to communicate his complex ideas more effectively and reach a wider public audience. Despite these shifts in form and style, a consistent thread ran through all his work: a profound emphasis on the inseparable connections between nature, art, and the moral and economic health of society.

The Enduring Influence and Contemporary Relevance of John Ruskin

John Ruskin's impact was immense throughout the latter half of the 19th century and extended well into the early 20th century, particularly up to the First World War. His ideas profoundly influenced not only art critics and artists but also social reformers, architects, and educators, helping to shape movements such as the Arts and Crafts movement, which championed craftsmanship and ethical production in response to industrialisation.

Following this period of widespread acclaim, his reputation experienced a period of relative decline, partly due to the changing intellectual climate and his own later struggles with mental health. However, since the 1960s, there has been a significant resurgence of interest in his work. This revival has been fueled by the publication of numerous rigorous academic studies that have re-evaluated his contributions.

Today, Ruskin's pioneering ideas and deeply held concerns are increasingly recognised for their foresight. Many scholars and practitioners acknowledge that he anticipated contemporary interest in:

• Environmentalism: His passionate advocacy for the preservation of natural beauty and his trenchant critiques of industrial pollution and unsustainable practices are seen as foundational to modern ecological thought.
• Sustainability: Ruskin questioned the ethics of unchecked economic growth and mass production, advocating instead for craftsmanship, quality, and the responsible use of resources – concepts central to sustainable living.
• Craft and Ethical Production: He championed the dignity of labour and the moral value of handmade goods, opposing the dehumanising effects of industrialisation and mass production. This legacy continues to inspire modern craft movements and discussions around ethical consumption.

Key Works and Pivotal Moments in Ruskin's Career

Modern Painters: Defence of Turner and "Truth to Nature"

Ruskin first garnered widespread public attention with the publication of the first volume of his monumental work, Modern Painters, in 1843. This extensive essay began as a passionate defence of the revolutionary landscape painter J. M. W. Turner, whose innovative techniques were often misunderstood or criticised. In this work, Ruskin famously argued that the principal role of the artist is to achieve "truth to nature." This was not merely a call for photographic realism but a profound insistence on capturing the inherent spirit, structure, and moral grandeur of the natural world, alongside its visual appearance.

Championing the Pre-Raphaelites and a Shift to Social Critique

From the 1850s, Ruskin became a fervent champion of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of young English painters and poets who were deeply influenced by his calls for moral earnestness, meticulous detail, and a return to the purity and intense colour of early Italian Renaissance art, rejecting the academic conventions of their time.

As the Victorian era progressed, Ruskin's focus increasingly shifted from purely aesthetic critique to a profound engagement with social and political issues. This crucial turning point was decisively marked by the publication of Unto This Last (originally published in essays in 1860, and as a book in 1862). In this highly influential work, he launched a fierce critique of the classical economic theories of his day, advocating for a more ethical approach to commerce, just wages, and the moral responsibility of employers to their workers and society. Its principles resonated strongly with later social reformers and influenced the development of the British Labour Party.

Academic Endeavours and Practical Ideals

In 1869, Ruskin achieved a significant academic milestone, becoming the first Slade Professor of Fine Art at the prestigious University of Oxford. During his tenure, he established the Ruskin School of Drawing, emphasizing practical artistic training coupled with moral and aesthetic education, believing that drawing could cultivate both skill and character.

A few years later, in 1871, he embarked on another ambitious project: his monthly "letters to the workmen and labourers of Great Britain." These deeply personal and complex communications, published under the title Fors Clavigera (1871–1884), outlined the fundamental principles underlying his vision for an ideal society. This envisioned society was one rooted in agrarian values, craftsmanship, communal responsibility, and ethical living, often in stark contrast to the industrialised, capitalist society he observed around him.

As a direct result of these developed principles and his commitment to putting his ideas into practice, Ruskin founded the Guild of St George in 1871. This unique organisation, which continues its work today, was established to promote and implement his social ideals, focusing on land stewardship, the revival of traditional crafts, and fostering a more just and ethical way of life through practical community initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Ruskin

Who was John Ruskin?

John Ruskin was a prominent English writer, philosopher, and art critic of the Victorian era, widely recognised as a polymath due to his extensive knowledge in diverse fields like art, geology, botany, political economy, and education.

What was John Ruskin's most famous work?

While he produced many influential works, Modern Painters (starting in 1843) brought him widespread attention as an art critic, and Unto This Last (1860-1862) significantly impacted social and economic thought with its critique of classical economics.

How did John Ruskin influence art?

He championed J. M. W. Turner and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, advocating for "truth to nature" and moral earnestness in art. His writings shaped aesthetic tastes and contributed to the development of the Arts and Crafts movement.

What was the Guild of St George?

The Guild of St George is an organisation founded by John Ruskin in 1871 to put his social and economic ideals into practice. It aimed to promote land stewardship, revive traditional crafts, and encourage ethical living, and it continues its work today.

Why is John Ruskin relevant today?

Ruskin's ideas are increasingly recognised for anticipating modern concerns about environmentalism, sustainability, and the value of craft. His critiques of industrialism and advocacy for ethical consumption resonate strongly in contemporary discussions.