Old Houses on the Rhône Island, Geneva 1863

John Ruskin created this watercolor painting of Old Houses on the Rhône Island in Geneva. Ruskin was a master of the watercolor medium, valued for its unique transparency. Looking closely, you can see how he diluted the pigment to capture light and create a sense of depth. He would have applied thin washes to build up the forms of these timeworn buildings. What's interesting is Ruskin’s choice of subject: not grand architecture, but the everyday built environment. As a critic, he championed the dignity of labor and the value of craftsmanship. He found beauty in the irregular surfaces and textures of these old buildings, seeing them as evidence of human hands at work. Ruskin was deeply concerned with the social and environmental impact of industrialization. His work often reflected a nostalgia for a pre-industrial past, where buildings were made with care and attention to detail. Ruskin used his art and writings to advocate for a more just and sustainable world. He saw the act of making as a form of social responsibility, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and designers today.