A view of Geneva, Switzerland

Details

John Ruskin, H.R.W.S. (1819-1900)
A view of Geneva, Switzerland
signed with initials, inscribed and dated 'Geneva/JR.1854' (lower right)
pencil, pen and black ink and watercolour, heightened with touches of white and with scratching out
6½ x 9 1/8 in. (16.5 x 22.9 cm.)

Provenance

with Spink-Leger, London.

Special notice

Christie's generally offer property consigned by others for sale at public auction. From time to time, lots are offered which Christie's International Plc or one of its subsidiary companies owns in whole or in part. Such a lot is offered subject to a reserve, unless otherwise stated. This is such a lot. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis This lot is subject to Collection and Storage charges

Lot Essay

Following his wife's return to her parents in Scotland in 1854, presaging the annulment of his marriage, Ruskin again visited Switzerland with his parents. They spent three months visiting Geneva, Interlachen, Thun, Lucerne, Chamonix, Lausanne, and Fribourg.

Ruskin rekindled his interest in the Alps following his concentration on the major architectural works of the 1840s. During his travels he began work on a literary project of the history of six Swiss towns that he planned to illustrate. The present highly finished watercolour is possibly a study in preparation for this. Ruskin returned again in 1856, visiting Berne and Vevay, and making a study of Swiss towns including Fribourg which had an historical intent as well as a topographical one. He also visited Geneva and Chamonix.

More from British Art on Paper

View All