John Ruskin
- Born:
- 8 February 1819, London, England
- Died:
- 20 January 1900, Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Art Critic, Writer, Artist, Social Thinker, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Educated primarily at home by his parents.
- Attended King's College London from 1836.
- Studied at Christ Church, Oxford from 1836 to 1842, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Developed an early interest in art, literature, and the natural world.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established himself as a leading art critic with the publication of Modern Painters (1843-1860).
- Championed the work of J.M.W. Turner and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
- Extended his critique to social and economic issues, advocating for social reform and ethical production.
- Founded the Guild of St George, an organization dedicated to promoting craftsmanship and sustainable living.
- Served as the first Slade Professor of Fine Art at the University of Oxford (1869-1879 and 1883-1885).
- His works, including what could be considered John Ruskin's autobiography, explore themes of art, nature, and society.
Notable Works
- Modern Painters (1843-1860)
- The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849)
- The Stones of Venice (1851-1853)
- Unto This Last (1860)
- Sesame and Lilies (1865)
- Fors Clavigera (1871-1884)
- Praeterita (1885-1889)
Legacy and Impact
John Ruskin's ideas on art, architecture, and social justice had a profound influence on Victorian society and continue to resonate today. His writings shaped aesthetic movements, inspired social reformers, and fostered a greater appreciation for the natural world. He remains a significant figure in the history of art criticism, social thought, and environmentalism.