Self Portrait with Blue Neckcloth 1873

John Ruskin, known for his writing on art, architecture and society, painted this self-portrait with watercolor on paper. Watercolor is a very fluid medium, typically associated with lightness and transparency. But look closely, and you can see that Ruskin has built up many layers of pigment, especially in the darker areas of his face and clothing. This would have required time, patience and careful observation. The watercolor technique, usually favored for its swiftness, here becomes a tool for deep study. Ruskin was a fierce critic of industrial capitalism, and a great champion of handcraft. In his view, only thoughtful labor, done at a human pace, could yield beauty. Perhaps, in this self-portrait, he was holding himself to the same standard. His attention to detail mirrors his broader commitment to the value of the individual worker. So the next time you encounter watercolor, consider the possibilities of the medium but also what making something slowly can mean.