At Naples 1841

John Ruskin made this study, "At Naples," using pen and ink, likely in the mid-19th century. Ruskin was deeply concerned with the social and moral functions of art. He believed that art should be truthful and that it should reflect the beauty and order of the natural world. In this study of Naples, Ruskin's careful attention to architectural detail contrasts with the ruinous state of the building, suggesting a social commentary. Italy in the 19th century was marked by political instability, poverty, and social inequality. Ruskin would have been aware of how the built environment reflected these issues, with its crumbling infrastructure mirroring the decline of social order. Ruskin’s view was that the artist should act as a moral guide, revealing underlying social problems. By closely studying his drawings and writings, and understanding the Victorian social context, we can further unpack Ruskin's complex attitude toward art and its role in society.