Viterbo c. 1840s

John Ruskin created "Viterbo" using watercolor and graphite. Ruskin, a towering figure of Victorian England, was deeply concerned with the relationship between art, society, and the environment. In this piece, Ruskin captures the Italian city of Viterbo, a place steeped in history and power. Ruskin’s choice of subject reflects his broader interest in the way landscapes embody cultural and historical narratives. His artistic style often combined precise observation with a romantic sensibility. Ruskin appreciated the beauty he found within the natural world and architecture, but this beauty wasn’t only aesthetic. For him, art was intrinsically linked to morality and social justice. Ruskin once said, "There is no wealth but life." This idea encapsulates his belief that the true value of society lies in the well-being and creativity of its people, rather than material accumulation. "Viterbo" invites us to reflect on the layers of history embedded in our surroundings, urging us to consider our own relationship to place, power, and the stories that shape our world.