Symbolic geography in John Ruskin's modern painters, Volumes III, IV, V
John Ruskin writes Modern Painters Volumes III, IV, and V as events such as The Crimean War (1854-56), the Indian Mutiny (1857-59), and the Second Italian War of Independence (1859) unfold. As such, Ruskin’s work tends to reflect and respond to the political context of his time. In these works, Ruskin tries to symbolically interpret and represent geopolitical and taxonomical characteristics of the European continent, generally in an imperial narrative, paying particular attention to British identity and national stereotypes. Ruskin articulates his ideas using a unique style that combines visual and written elements to create powerful allegories. In these volumes, Ruskin is especially concerned with what he sees as an impending “crisis of civilization” of which the aforementioned conflicts are symptoms. As a response, Ruskin strongly advocates societal reform in the form of a return to old Christian values. He also supports a military alliance between Britain and France.
John Ruskin Modern Painters Art history Art and politics Nineteenth century Great Britain Imperialism Historiography Stereotypes Modern Painters Symbolic geography