Mornings in Florence By: John Ruskin (1819-1900)
Mornings in Florence by John Ruskin is a captivating and thought-provoking collection of essays that delve into the intricate beauty of Italian Renaissance art. Ruskin takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the city of Florence, unraveling the hidden meanings and symbolism behind some of its most renowned masterpieces. One of the standout qualities of this book is Ruskin's true reverence for art. With a meticulous eye for detail, he meticulously analyzes various works of art, such as Giotto's Campanile and Andrea Pisano's Gates of Paradise, providing readers with profound insights into the artists' intentions and techniques. Ruskin's eloquent descriptions transport readers to the streets of Florence, allowing them to feel as though they are standing in front of these masterpieces themselves. What sets Mornings in Florence apart from other art books is Ruskin's ability to connect the artistic creations to broader philosophical and moral themes. He explores the relationship between beauty and morality, arguing that art has the power to nurture the virtues of individuals and societies. His reflections on the importance of craftsmanship and the impact of industrialization on the artistic process also make for compelling and enlightening reading. Furthermore, Ruskin's writing style is elegant and evocative. Each sentence is meticulously crafted, displaying his deep knowledge and love for the subject matter. However, at times, the extensive use of architectural jargon and references to lesser-known artworks may be overwhelming for readers without prior knowledge of art history. Although written over a century ago, Mornings in Florence remains relevant and engaging to this day. Ruskin's passion and fervor for art are contagious, inspiring readers to appreciate the subtle beauty and profound messages embedded within every stroke of a brush or chisel mark. This book serves as a testament to the enduring power and importance of art, elevating it beyond mere aesthetics. In conclusion, Mornings in Florence by John Ruskin is an exquisite exploration of Renaissance art that will undoubtedly captivate both art enthusiasts and those delving into the subject for the first time. Ruskin's profound insights, poetic prose, and deep appreciation for beauty make this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the rich artistic heritage of Florence. First Page: MORNINGS IN FLORENCE By JOHN RUSKIN, M.A. MORNINGS IN FLORENCE. THE FIRST MORNING. SANTA CROCE. If there is one artist, more than another, whose work it is desirable that you should examine in Florence, supposing that you care for old art at all, it is Giotto. You can, indeed, also see work of his at Assisi; but it is not likely you will stop there, to any purpose. At Padua there is much; but only of one period. At Florence, which is his birthplace, you can see pictures by him of every date, and every kind. But you had surely better see, first, what is of his best time and of the best kind. He painted very small pictures and very large painted from the age of twelve to sixty painted some subjects carelessly which he had little interest in some carefully with all his heart. You would surely like, and it would certainly be wise, to see him first in his strong and earnest work, to see a painting by him, if possible, of large size, and wrought with his full strength, and of a subject pleasing to him. And if it were, also, a subject interesting to yourself, better still. Now, if indeed you are interested in old art, you cannot but know the power of the thirteenth century. You know that the character of it was concentrated in, and to the full expressed by, its best king, St... Continue reading book >>

Mornings in Florence By: John Ruskin (1819-1900)

Mornings in Florence by John Ruskin is a captivating and thought-provoking collection of essays that delve into the intricate beauty of Italian Renaissance art. Ruskin takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the city of Florence, unraveling the hidden meanings and symbolism behind some of its most renowned masterpieces.

One of the standout qualities of this book is Ruskin's true reverence for art. With a meticulous eye for detail, he meticulously analyzes various works of art, such as Giotto's Campanile and Andrea Pisano's Gates of Paradise, providing readers with profound insights into the artists' intentions and techniques. Ruskin's eloquent descriptions transport readers to the streets of Florence, allowing them to feel as though they are standing in front of these masterpieces themselves.

What sets Mornings in Florence apart from other art books is Ruskin's ability to connect the artistic creations to broader philosophical and moral themes. He explores the relationship between beauty and morality, arguing that art has the power to nurture the virtues of individuals and societies. His reflections on the importance of craftsmanship and the impact of industrialization on the artistic process also make for compelling and enlightening reading.

Furthermore, Ruskin's writing style is elegant and evocative. Each sentence is meticulously crafted, displaying his deep knowledge and love for the subject matter. However, at times, the extensive use of architectural jargon and references to lesser-known artworks may be overwhelming for readers without prior knowledge of art history.

Although written over a century ago, Mornings in Florence remains relevant and engaging to this day. Ruskin's passion and fervor for art are contagious, inspiring readers to appreciate the subtle beauty and profound messages embedded within every stroke of a brush or chisel mark. This book serves as a testament to the enduring power and importance of art, elevating it beyond mere aesthetics.

In conclusion, Mornings in Florence by John Ruskin is an exquisite exploration of Renaissance art that will undoubtedly captivate both art enthusiasts and those delving into the subject for the first time. Ruskin's profound insights, poetic prose, and deep appreciation for beauty make this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the rich artistic heritage of Florence.

First Page:

MORNINGS IN FLORENCE

JOHN RUSKIN, M.A.

MORNINGS IN FLORENCE.

THE FIRST MORNING. SANTA CROCE.

If there is one artist, more than another, whose work it is desirable that you should examine in Florence, supposing that you care for old art at all, it is Giotto. You can, indeed, also see work of his at Assisi; but it is not likely you will stop there, to any purpose. At Padua there is much; but only of one period. At Florence, which is his birthplace, you can see pictures by him of every date, and every kind. But you had surely better see, first, what is of his best time and of the best kind. He painted very small pictures and very large painted from the age of twelve to sixty painted some subjects carelessly which he had little interest in some carefully with all his heart. You would surely like, and it would certainly be wise, to see him first in his strong and earnest work, to see a painting by him, if possible, of large size, and wrought with his full strength, and of a subject pleasing to him. And if it were, also, a subject interesting to yourself, better still.

Now, if indeed you are interested in old art, you cannot but know the power of the thirteenth century. You know that the character of it was concentrated in, and to the full expressed by, its best king, St... Continue reading book >>

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