John Ruskin

Date of Birth: February 8, 1819

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 20, 1900

Biography

John Ruskin was a prominent English writer, art critic, social thinker, and philanthropist of the 19th century. Born in London in 1819, Ruskin became one of the leading voices in the Victorian era, influencing a wide range of fields including art, architecture, literature, and social reform. He was a passionate advocate for the Gothic Revival in architecture and was deeply concerned about the adverse effects of industrialization on society and the environment. His works like “Modern Painters,” “The Stones of Venice,” and “Unto This Last” have left an indelible mark on Western thought. Ruskin’s career was marked by his extensive travel across Europe, where he meticulously studied and documented art and architecture. His writings often reflected his deep love for nature and his belief in the moral and spiritual value of art. Ruskin’s teachings on social issues laid the groundwork for the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which sought to promote craftsmanship and oppose industrial mass production.

5 Interesting Facts about John Ruskin

1. John Ruskin was an influential art critic and the leading English art critic of the Victorian era.

2. He was a major advocate for the Gothic Revival in architecture, which opposed the industrialization of building techniques.

3. Ruskin founded the Guild of St George, an organization aimed at promoting arts, crafts, and rural community living.

4. He was a mentor to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of English painters, poets, and critics.

5. Ruskin’s ideas on social reform were ahead of his time, advocating for fair labor practices and education for all.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Ruskin

1. “The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”

2. “There is no wealth but life.”

3. “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.”

4. “Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies, for instance.”

5. “When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Ruskin’s highest net worth is not well-documented in modern financial terms, but he was known to be financially comfortable due to his inheritance and earnings from his prolific writing and lectures.