Modern Painters, vol. 3

In 1856, John Ruskin published Modern Painters, Vol. 3. This work contained the essay “Of the Use of Pictures,” in which he argues that he would prefer actual windows rather than paintings of the same subjects. This is part of a larger reconsideration of aesthetics in which Ruskin privileged “truth to nature” over traditional, idealized, and formal beauty, which in turn supported new art movements such as Pre-Raphaelitism and new social uses of art, such as public art exhibitions and museums. Exact month of publication unknown; if you have information about the correct date, please email felluga@purdue.edu with this information. Image: Portrait of John Ruskin. This image is in the public domain in the United States because its copyright has expired.