John Ruskin

Ruskin, John (1819–1900). English art critic, writer, and social reformer. The first volume of his Modern Painters (1843) championed J.M.W. Turner over the old masters; the subsequent 4 volumes (1846–60) expanded his views of the principles of true art, based on integrity and morality. He went on to apply these ideas to architecture in The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849), which stimulated a Gothic revival, and The Stones of Venice (1851–53). Unto This Last (1860), first of his “letters” to workmen, began his attacks on laissez-faire philosophy. Sesame and Lilies (1865) continued to address social and political issues, offering such social reforms as nationalization of education and organization of labor that came to be widely accepted.