Modern Painters

"Modern Painters" is a significant work by the English art critic John Ruskin, published in several volumes beginning in 1843. In this book, Ruskin argues for the importance of emotional expression and moral purpose in art, challenging the traditional views of beauty based solely on technical skill. He emphasizes the connection between nature and artistic representation, advocating that true art reveals the artist's interpretation of the natural world. Ruskin illustrates his points with analysis of the works of contemporary painters, particularly J.M.W. Turner, promoting a deeper understanding of art's role in society and its impact on human experience.