Piazza Santa Maria del Pianto 1840

John Ruskin created this drawing of Piazza Santa Maria del Pianto in Rome, using pen and ink. Ruskin, a leading art critic of the Victorian era, was deeply concerned with the social and environmental impact of industrialization. Here, Ruskin captures the essence of everyday life within a historical setting. We see the square as a hub of activity, with locals going about their daily routines. The architecture reflects layers of history, a place that bears witness to centuries of change and human experience. Ruskin's approach was shaped by his belief in the moral and social role of art. He saw beauty not just in the aesthetic qualities of a scene, but in its authenticity and the human connection to it. The crumbling facades and the worn surfaces are not signs of decay but evidence of a living history, a testament to the endurance of the city and its people.