Details
RUSKIN, John (1819-1900). Two autograph letters signed ('J. Ruskin') to Frank Dillon, Brantwood and n.p., 22 June 1886 and n.d., together 2½ pages, 8vo (minor spotting, dated letter with remnants of mount and split between leaves of bifolium).
DETAILED ADVICE ON PAINTING. In the undated letter, Ruskin gives an extended critique of the recipient's efforts as an artist: 'First. You do not study in sober colour enough to get perfect form -- I think you want ten years more of grey to brown ... Secondly. When you use oil colour -- you use it as a Plaster, not availing yourself of white ground -- nor showing one colour under another ... Lastly. You don't finish half way up to the point that I begin to enjoy at', adding that 'If your work sells, at present -- & you only care to sell, you need not mind what any body says', but ending with the advice that he 'look more at Venetian work'. The letter of 22 June 1886 expresses outrage at the display of a drawing in Bond Street: 'I think it a disgrace to the drawing to show it as a bit of specimen number -- and the whole affair is a shame to the Academy -- & the public -- and the Government -- and the Epoch, and the Universe, and I'm very cross, and not a little tired to day, or I would put the dots on i better'. (2)
DETAILED ADVICE ON PAINTING. In the undated letter, Ruskin gives an extended critique of the recipient's efforts as an artist: 'First. You do not study in sober colour enough to get perfect form -- I think you want ten years more of grey to brown ... Secondly. When you use oil colour -- you use it as a Plaster, not availing yourself of white ground -- nor showing one colour under another ... Lastly. You don't finish half way up to the point that I begin to enjoy at', adding that 'If your work sells, at present -- & you only care to sell, you need not mind what any body says', but ending with the advice that he 'look more at Venetian work'. The letter of 22 June 1886 expresses outrage at the display of a drawing in Bond Street: 'I think it a disgrace to the drawing to show it as a bit of specimen number -- and the whole affair is a shame to the Academy -- & the public -- and the Government -- and the Epoch, and the Universe, and I'm very cross, and not a little tired to day, or I would put the dots on i better'. (2)