Amalfi 1841

Here is John Ruskin’s drawing of Amalfi, rendered with delicate lines and monochromatic tones that capture the dramatic topography of the Italian coast. The composition rises from the detailed shoreline to the towering mountain, creating a sense of depth and scale. Ruskin’s method involves a structured approach, reducing natural forms into architectural, almost geometric, elements. Notice how the buildings and the mountain are represented with a similar use of line and shading, suggesting an underlying structure uniting the natural and the man-made. The detailed rendering of the architectural elements contrasts with the sketchier rendering of the surrounding landscape, creating a tension between precision and fluidity. Ruskin was deeply interested in the relationship between nature, art, and society. This drawing of Amalfi, through its formal qualities, encourages us to think about how we perceive and structure the world around us. Is it a harmonious blend or a constructed imposition?