Early British Drawings, Watercolours and Portrait Miniatures

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Lot 172
  • 172

John Ruskin

Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description

  • John Ruskin
  • Juniper
  • signed and inscribed  l.l.: Juniper / J. Ruskin 1863

  • watercolour over pencil with bodycolour on blue paper

  • 12.1 by 12.1 cm.; 4 7/8 by 4 7/8 in.

Catalogue Note

Ruskin was fascinated by natural history and the science of botany. Dating from 1863, the present study, with its intense focus on the details of nature, is typical of his drawing during this period. The miniature precision of the brush-stokes recalls William Henry Hunt's (1790-1864) meticulously painted still-lifes. Ruskin had known Hunt's work from an early age, as his parents had owned several examples of that artist's work. When Ruskin came to write his Modern Painters (published in 1843) Hunt's work and technique received high praise.