St. Cergues 1882

John Ruskin made this pencil drawing of a thistle in St. Cergues on the 7th of September 1882. Ruskin was a leading art critic of the Victorian era, championing the Pre-Raphaelites and advocating for art's moral and social role. Here, he turns his meticulous eye to nature, reflecting his belief in the importance of observing and understanding the natural world. The drawing is a testament to Ruskin's detailed study of botany, aligning with his broader philosophy that art should serve as a tool for both scientific understanding and spiritual insight. Ruskin's social critique extended to the industrial revolution, which he saw as alienating humanity from nature. His drawings, like this one, are a call back to pre-industrial values. By researching Ruskin's writings and the social context of Victorian England, we can understand the cultural values and social critiques embedded in this seemingly simple drawing of a thistle. Art offers invaluable insights into social and institutional contexts.