Early Byzantine Carving 1877 - 1878

Curator: What strikes me immediately about John Ruskin's "Early Byzantine Carving" is how ethereal it seems, like a memory half-formed in watercolor. Editor: Indeed. It's at the Harvard Art Museums, a drawing of an architectural fragment dating back to the 6th century. Ruskin made it in 1873. Curator: It's almost as if he's trying to capture the essence of something ancient, rather than create a perfect reproduction. The shadows tell a story of time. Editor: Ruskin was fascinated by the relationship between art, architecture, and society. He viewed these historical objects as testaments to cultural values. Curator: And the drips of pigment make it feel alive. It's imperfect, vulnerable, and yet powerful in its simplicity. Editor: I agree. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the Byzantine world, filtered through Ruskin's unique perspective. Curator: It makes me want to book a ticket and see it. Editor: Me too, to explore those shadows up close.