Lectures on Art, Delivered Before the University of Oxford in Hilary Term, 1870' by John Ruskin is a significant collection of lectures that provides profound insights into the world of art. Ruskin, a prominent art critic and social thinker of the Victorian era, shares his knowledge, observations, and perspectives on various aspects of art. In these lectures, Ruskin explores different artistic principles, techniques, and styles, discussing the works of renowned artists from different periods. He delves into topics such as the importance of attention to detail, the relationship between art and nature, and the moral and spiritual dimensions of artistic expression. Ruskin's lectures not only offer a comprehensive understanding of art but also connect it to broader themes of society, ethics, and culture. His eloquent and passionate delivery captivates readers, urging them to consider the profound impact of art on individual and collective consciousness. Ruskin's deep knowledge, critical analysis, and compelling arguments make this collection a timeless exploration of the power and significance of art in human experience.
John Ruskin was an English writer, philosopher, art critic, and polymath during the Victorian era. He lived from 8 February 1819 to 20 January 1900. He published on a wide range of topics, including political economy, myth, ornithology, literature, education, and geology. He emphasized the relationships between nature, art, and society in all of his writing. His father, John James Ruskin (1785-1864) was a wine and sherry importer. At Oxford University and King's College in London, Ruskin studied literature. By studying under Thomas Dale, he prepared for Oxford University (1797-1870). He fell in love with the Alps at a young age and made his first trip to Venice in 1835. Under the guidance of Charles Runciman, Copley Fielding, and J. D. Harding, he developed his creative abilities. On April 10, 1848, at her Bowerswell house in Perth, Euphemia "Effie" Gray and John Ruskin were united in marriage. The marriage was troubled, and Effie said that Ruskin was harsh to her. In 1854, six years later, it was revoked. Ruskin revisited certain topics that had been among his favorites when he was a little kid in the 1880s. At the age of 80, he passed away from influenza at Brantwood on January 20, 1900. According to his wishes, he was buried five days later in the Coniston graveyard.