Architectural Study c. 1845 - 1850

Curator: Here we have John Ruskin’s "Architectural Study," currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how this watercolor sketch captures the textures of stone and foliage. It seems almost dreamlike. Curator: Ruskin's detailed observation served a larger purpose. He saw architecture as a reflection of society’s moral values. Editor: You can certainly see the emphasis on craftsmanship in the delicate linework and washes. It makes me think about the labor involved in constructing these buildings. Curator: Ruskin admired Gothic architecture for precisely that—he believed it represented an honest expression of human effort. Editor: Whereas now, it feels a bit ghostly, a fragment of a time when architecture was inherently tied to its social meaning. Curator: Exactly, and Ruskin hoped to inspire a return to those principles. Editor: This piece then becomes a document to reflect upon social implications of architectural choices. Curator: Indeed, it reminds us that art can shape our perceptions of the built environment. Editor: I appreciate that reflection on the work and its societal implications.