JOHN RUSKIN WRITES ABOUT THE “LAWS OF FESOLE” RUSKIN (John, 1819-1900, Writer and Critic)

Fine Unsigned Autograph Letters to his publisher, George ALLEN (1832-1907, Craftsman and Engraver who became assistant to Ruskin and then became his publisher) saying he is “much pleased at your being in so good spirits. I am fairly well, and the new notions getting into close form. The Laws of Fresole had better be planned as a series to be finished next year, of properly elementary teaching. I will do it in twelve parts of the size of Fors [Clavigera] at the same price, giving four to line, four to colour, four to shade. One plate in each and supplementary plates arranged for an appendix. Then the general and wide teaching, with old Modern Painters in bits will follow under another name. Write here, tomorrow, but all next week to Broadlands. You’ll get the Thistle on Monday or Tuesday...”, 2 sides 8vo., Corpus Christi College, Oxford headed paper crossed out, Heren Hill, 4th December with the year added

The Laws of Fesole is sub-titled ‘A Familiar Treatise on the Elementary Principles and Practice of Drawing and Painting as Determined by the Tuscan Painters’. It was ultimately published in four parts between 1877 and 1879. The letter is housed in a 6½” x 9½” burgundy leather envelope which has “Original Autograph Letter by John Ruskin Presented with the Library Edition of Ruskin's Works 1912” embossed in gold lettering across the front. John Ruskin was a controversial and at times self-contradictory but perceptive English writer, critic of art, architecture, and society. He was also a painter and engraver. In 1870, he was appointed the Slade professor of Fine Art at Oxford. George Allen was initially Ruskin s student and then assistant drawing master at the Working Men s College before he went into publishing business with Ruskin. He made many of the engravings for Ruskin’s work and published his "Collected Works" posthumously.

Item Date:  1875

Stock No:  42160      £1750

             Add to Wish List     Order/Enquire