Rocks and Vegetation. Chamonix 1854

John Ruskin created "Rocks and Vegetation, Chamonix" without indicating a specific date, yet its aesthetic and thematic elements firmly root it in the 19th century. Ruskin, a prominent art critic of the Victorian era, used his art to reinforce his cultural criticism. Here, Ruskin directs our gaze towards the sublimity of nature. His work rejects the burgeoning industrial landscape in favor of untouched, raw scenes. His choice of the Chamonix region isn't accidental. It’s a pointed commentary on the socio-economic transformations sweeping across Europe. Ruskin, deeply aware of the environmental impact of industrial growth, uses his watercolors to highlight the inherent beauty and vulnerability of nature. The emphasis on detail invites viewers to pause and truly observe. In doing so, Ruskin subtly advocates for a return to simpler, more sustainable ways of living, urging us to reconsider our relationship with the planet. He once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” Ruskin’s painting remains a poignant reflection on the enduring power and fragility of the natural world, a sentiment increasingly relevant today.