Information

'Examples of the Architecture of Venice' was a folio of plates first published in 1851 in connection with Ruskin's book on Venetian architecture, 'The Stones of Venice.' The preface to the folio explains that: ' Mr Ruskin has found it impossible to reduce to the size of an octavo volume all the sketches made to illustrate his intended Essay on Venetian architecture; at least, without loss of accuracy in detail: he has thought it better to separate some of the plates from the text, than either to throw the latter into a folio form, or diminish the fidelity of the drawings.' Ruskin selected 16 of his drawings of architectural details to be published as plates in a large format folio each accompanied by an explanatory text. This is a plate from the 1887 edition published by G. Allen. It shows two views of the decorative capitals on the portico depicted in plate 6 [1920P664]. Ruskin named these 'Lily Capitals' and thought that they were so important that they must be shown 'in actual scale.'

  • Presented by the Executors of the Rt. Hon. William Kenrick, 1920
  • © Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
Engraver R Parminster Cuff -
Artist John Ruskin -

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
J. Ruskin./7./ ST. MARK'S,/ Details of the Lily Capitals./ R.P.Cuff.
Inscription below image Printed - Ink.
 

Associated places

Name Type
VENICE -

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