First Sketch of Verona Griffin Possibly 1846

Editor: Here we have John Ruskin's "First Sketch of Verona Griffin." It's undated, but the medium looks like graphite and watercolor on paper. It feels like a raw, immediate study. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This sketch invites us to consider Ruskin’s broader project: to understand the socio-political values embedded in architectural details. Griffins, often symbols of power and vigilance, appear repeatedly in Venetian architecture. Ruskin’s act of sketching, of close observation, was inherently political. How does focusing on architectural details allow us to address systemic issues? Editor: That’s a really interesting way to look at it. I was just seeing a sketch! Curator: Exactly, it’s about unraveling the power dynamics present in the smallest artistic decisions. Thanks for helping me see it in a fresh light.