John Ruskin (1819-1900) c. 1876 - 1880

Editor: This portrait, by Charles Herbert, depicts John Ruskin. The canvas and pose give it a very somber mood. What strikes you about the composition? Curator: The subdued palette and the interplay of light and shadow across Ruskin's face are particularly compelling. Note the artist's delicate rendering of texture; the subtle gradations in the dark coat versus the smoothness of the skin. Editor: It's interesting how the dark coat almost merges with the background, drawing our attention to his face and hand. Curator: Precisely. This formal arrangement guides our eye and affects our perception of the subject's introspective state. Editor: I see what you mean. The careful structuring really dictates how we engage with the work.