British Quarterly Review, April 1856
(Go to Summary of review by Hannah Lawrance of Modern
Painters III, British Quarterly Review, April 1856, pp. 442-67.)
More than ten years have passed away since two volumes bearing
the unpretending title of Modern Painters, by a Graduate of Oxford,
came out, and startled amateurs, connoisseurs, and artists themselves, alike,
by their frank enunciation of new principles in art, and bold assertions
of the right of Turner - much-abused Turner - to the foremost place among
landscape painters, both past and present. The work was eagerly read, it
was much admired, but far more bitterly denounced; still it did not fail
in its aim; some check was given to the virulent attacks upon Turner, and
the aged painter, already sinking into death, must have felt cheered in
his desolate home by the eloquent advocacy of that young champion who flung
himself so chivalrously between him and his cowardly assailants, and so
willing received the thrusts that were aimed at the gifted old man. (p.
442)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr Ruskin [...] whose fine taste and sound principles - even when his conclusions
may not be admitted - must always command respect. We look forward with
much interest to the two concluding volumes; and - having
little sympathy with those critics who seem unable to comprehend that a
writer may still be a learner, and after ten years' earnest and continuous
labour, acknowledge himself to be still so - we shall be right willing to
repair, under Mr Ruskin's pleasant guidance, 'To-morrow to fresh fields,
and pastures new'. (p. 467)
CW
Close