View of Amalfi 1844

Editor: Here we have John Ruskin’s watercolor, "View of Amalfi." It’s quite dreamlike, almost a hazy memory. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Ruskin was deeply invested in the relationship between art, architecture, and society. Consider the picturesque, sublime qualities of the Amalfi coast here. How does Ruskin use the landscape to reflect on the impact of industrialization and modernity on traditional societies? Editor: So, he's not just painting a pretty picture; he’s commenting on social change? Curator: Precisely. Ruskin saw beauty in nature and feared its destruction by progress. This idyllic scene is a commentary on the values we risk losing. What do you think Ruskin is advocating for? Editor: I see now that it's a call for preservation, not just a landscape. Curator: Indeed. Art as a tool for social commentary; it’s powerful, isn't it?