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 the second plate from the 1887 edition published by G. Allen. According to Ruskin's text 'this group of windows is the only remnant of a small palace, modernized in all its other parts: but it is one of the richest fragments in the city: and a beautiful example of the fantastic arches which I believe to have been borrowed from the Arabs.' The balcony above the windows is representative of the moderrnisation to which Ruskin refers.

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

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
Engraver Thomas Lupton -
Etcher Thomas Shotter Boys -
Artist John Ruskin -

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
J Ruskin/ 2/Aq. fort. T. Boys./ Thos. Lupton./ ARABIAN WINDOWS./ In Campo Sta Maria Mater-Domini.
Inscription below image Printed - Ink.
 

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