Biography of John Ruskin:
John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a prominent English art critic, social thinker, painter, and writer who had a profound influence on the Victorian era. His works on art, architecture, and society contributed significantly to the cultural and intellectual developments of the 19th century.
Here’s an overview of his life and contributions:
Early Life and Education:
Birth: John Ruskin was born on February 8, 1819, in London, England.
Education: He studied at Christ Church, Oxford, where he developed a keen interest in art and architecture. He was influenced by Romantic poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and artists like J.M.W. Turner.
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| Biography of John Ruskin |
Career and Contributions:
Art Criticism: Ruskin became a renowned art critic and wrote influential works such as “Modern Painters,” a multi-volume series defending the works of Turner and promoting the principles of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. He also wrote about other artists and art movements of his time.
Architectural Critique: He authored works like “The Seven Lamps of Architecture” and “The Stones of Venice,” where he critiqued architectural practices and emphasized the importance of craftsmanship and moral purpose in architecture.
Social Commentary: Ruskin was also a social reformer, advocating for workers’ rights, fair treatment of laborers, and the preservation of natural beauty. He influenced the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to improve design and craftsmanship in the industrial age.
Education: Ruskin played a key role in the establishment of the Working Men’s College in London, promoting education for working-class people.
Personal Life and Later Years:
Marriage and Personal Struggles: Ruskin’s marriage to Effie Gray was annulled, and he faced various personal challenges, including mental health issues.
Later Works: Despite his struggles, Ruskin continued to write prolifically, producing works on topics ranging from political economy to geology.
Death and Legacy:
Death: John Ruskin died on January 20, 1900, in Brantwood, Coniston, England.
Legacy: Ruskin’s ideas had a lasting impact on various fields, including art, architecture, education, and social reform. His emphasis on aesthetic beauty, craftsmanship, and social justice continues to influence thinkers, artists, and activists.
John Ruskin’s diverse contributions to art criticism, cultural theory, and social reform have left an enduring mark on the intellectual landscape of the 19th and 20th centuries, making him a significant figure in Victorian intellectual history.