Interior of Lucca Cathedral 1879

John Ruskin created this watercolor of the Interior of Lucca Cathedral, capturing the intricate details of the architecture. Ruskin, a leading art critic of the Victorian era, was deeply concerned with the social and moral roles of art and architecture. His intense focus on the cathedral’s ornate carvings reflects the cultural values of the time, especially the Gothic Revival movement’s fascination with medieval craftsmanship. The level of detail is striking, and speaks to Ruskin's belief that close observation of nature and historical architecture could reveal deeper truths about society and human creativity. Ruskin was interested in the connection between art, labor, and morality, and his work often critiqued the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. In this context, the cathedral becomes more than a building; it’s a symbol of an era's spiritual and communal values. The watercolor’s precision offers us a glimpse into Ruskin’s own quest for authenticity and meaning in an rapidly changing world, inviting us to consider the values we assign to art and architecture today.