Peacock Feather 1877

This is John Ruskin's "Peacock Feather," a watercolor made around 1877. Ruskin, an art critic of the Victorian era, lived in a time of rigid social structures. He often used art as a means to express his views on society. Ruskin was deeply concerned with the impact of industrialization on both the environment and human spirit, and one can imagine he found in the peacock feather a symbol of natural beauty, untainted by the industrial revolution. The detailed rendering and delicate use of color seems to elevate the feather to something worthy of careful consideration. This intense focus draws attention to the inherent artistry present in nature, subtly critiquing the mass-produced, often characterless, objects emerging from factories. There’s a quiet call here, urging us to reconsider our values and look to the natural world for inspiration. We might consider how Ruskin uses this quiet artwork to advocate for a society more connected to nature.