Old Vevay 1869

Editor: Here we have John Ruskin's pencil drawing, "Old Vevay." It feels delicate, almost like a memory fading. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ruskin’s drawings like these served as visual arguments. As industrialization rapidly transformed the landscape, Ruskin used his art and writings to advocate for the preservation of traditional architecture and natural beauty. Editor: So, the drawing is less a simple landscape and more of a statement? Curator: Precisely. He elevates the everyday scene to a subject worthy of our attention. The seemingly simple act of sketching becomes a political act, resisting the erasure of the past. Editor: That gives me a completely new perspective on Ruskin's intent. Curator: Indeed. It’s a reminder of how art can actively shape our understanding of history and the forces that shape our environment.