John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a pioneering English writer, art critic, and social thinker who wrote extensively about art, architecture, and economics His influence stretched far beyond the world of art history and criticism and has been cited as having a major influence on 20th century thought in both the UK and US
John Ruskin is best known for his criticism of the Industrial Revolution, which he considered to be a major cause of social and economic distress. He argued that industrial capitalism had led to a reduction of craftsmanship, resulting in a lack of value, skill, and imagination in the production of objects. Ruskin also argued that industrial capitalism had resulted in the exploitation of workers, and he criticized the lack of respect which the industrial system accorded to art.
In addition to his criticism of industrial capitalism, Ruskin was an influential thinker in the fields of aesthetics, art history, and political philosophy. He developed the concept of “art for art’s sake”, which holds that art should be appreciated for its own sake rather than for its potential to yield a profit. He also argued for an individualistic approach to political and social matters, advocating for each person to make choices based on an individual assessment of their own needs and interests.
John Ruskin’s influence on the world of art and architecture has been immense, and his ideas have been discussed and debated for over a century. Here are five interesting essay topic ideas to explore in greater detail:
1. What lasting influence has John Ruskin’s criticism of industrial capitalism had on the art and architecture of the modern world?
2. What was the origin and purpose of Ruskin’s idea of “art for art’s sake”? How has it shaped modern views of artistic expression?
3. How did John Ruskin’s individualistic approach to politics and social matters impact the development of the modern welfare state?
4. To what extent do John Ruskin’s ideas on the relationship between labor and capital still hold true today?
5. How has John Ruskin’s criticism of industrialism and capitalism impacted the way art is viewed and produced in the modern world?