INTRODUCTION lxv

with Ruskin, in which the latter disclosed himself as the author of the essays on Perspective in Loudon’s Architectural Magazine.¹ “It was truly delightful,” writes Sopwith, “to become acquainted with the ingenious author of those very able papers, and still more so to find that we exactly coincided in opinion.” A day or two later, Dr. Buckland again had young Ruskin to meet his guest, who thus recorded the occasion in his diary:-

“(February 6, 1839.)-Dr. Buckland invited Mr. Ruskin to breakfast, and requested him to send his drawings for me to look at. These are contained in four large folio volumes. They consist entirely of original sketches in England, Scotland, and various parts of the Continent. Most of them are in pencil, on tinted paper, and touched with a few slight effects of light or colour. Architectural subjects prevail, and comprise very clear, minute, and exceedingly beautiful details of some of the most celebrated cathedrals, churches, ruins, etc. There is great spirit, richness, and freedom of touch in his style of drawing; and some of his views, as Roslin Chapel, for instance, are one mass of sumptuous decoration arranged in just perspective and in good keeping.... Those who delight in seeing correct and vivid portraits of distant scenery, in beholding splendid architectural combinations, and in admiring the highest efforts of art, will readily appreciate my enjoyment in looking over these beautiful volumes.... The Apprentice’s Pillar at Roslin, an old oak hall, with a forest seen through the window, ... these and many other drawings are inimitable examples of that accordance with nature which Mr. Ruskin has so ably and so eloquently advocated in Loudon’s Architectural Magazine under the signature of Kata Phusin. Many of the landscape views were commented upon by Dr. Buckland with reference to the geological features. I had a long and agreeable conversation with this excellent amateur artist, who is now residing at Oxford as a gentleman-commoner; and it was no ordinary gratification to lay the foundation of a further acquaintance with him under such favourable auspices as an introduction in the house of Dr. Buckland.”²

The episode of Ruskin’s early love for Adèle Domecq, which occurred during his Oxford period, is described in Præterita (pp. 178-183, 227-229, 258). It coloured much of his poetry, and in this connexion reference may be made to Vol. II. pp. 16-24, 449 n.

Of later chapters and passages in Ruskin’s life, touched upon in

¹ Vol. I. pp. 215-245.

² Thomas Sopwith, M.A., C.E., F.R.S., by Benjamin Ward Richardson, 1891, pp. 163-164, 165-166. A letter in Vol. XXXVI. mentions other distinguished men, including Darwin, whom Ruskin met at Dr. Buckland’s.

XXXV. e

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