Towers 

John Ruskin sketched "Towers" using brown ink on paper, immortalizing the architectural structure he found at Chambéry. Ruskin, a leading art critic of the Victorian era, believed in the moral and social influence of art, advocating for a return to the detailed observation of nature and a rejection of industrialization. Here, the towers are rendered with a sensitivity to light and texture, characteristic of Ruskin's detailed style. His choice of subject, the medieval architecture, reflects a nostalgia for a pre-industrial past, one that he saw as embodying a simpler, more virtuous way of life. The careful rendering of the stone work can be seen as Ruskin’s deep connection to nature and craftmanship, reflecting the values he promoted through his writings and art. Ruskin sought to capture the essence of a place, reflecting his belief that art should serve as a moral guide, leading viewers toward a deeper appreciation of beauty and truth. The sketch resonates with the artist's profound emotional response to the building, inviting us to contemplate the value of our cultural heritage.