Original Drawing of Oxford Cathedral Ruskin (John) A large...

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Hammer

€13,000

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Original Drawing of Oxford Cathedral

Ruskin (John) A large finely executed Pencil Drawing, captioned Oxford Cathedral, The Choir, & Signed 'J. Ruskin Ch. Ch. 1838,' The image shows the tiled floor, choir stalls, organ gallery, organ and magnificent fan tracery of ceiling. Size approx. 50cms x 32cms (19 3/4" x 12 1/2"), some spotting. In a protective case, bound in hf. calf. As a drawing, w.a.f. (1)
Together with an ALs to Dean Gaisford signed J. Ruskin and dated January 11th [1843], concerning the above drawing, "My dear Sir, The indulgence with which you formerly received my very poor sketch of the interior of the Cathedral encourages me to hope for your acceptance of a Drawing of Christ Church which I shall send tomorrow from London. It is taken from a point which I think merit of being perfectly faithful to every part of the principal subject - though some liberties have been taken with the accessories. I much regret that I should be unable to produce a better drawing of so impressive a subject. Had my powers of execution been at all proportioned to my gratitude for your former constant and great kindness, it would have been worthy your acceptance,"
In envelope bearing Gaisford crest and inscribed: "John Ruskin to Dean Gaisford, 1842 [sic]." note (not entirely accurate) at head of letter: "From J. Ruskin to Dn. Gaisford Dean of Ch Ch sent with his drawing in 1842,"
John Ruskin, art critic, painter, social thinker, philanthropist and avid promoter of Gothic Architecture. He encouraged the formation of the National Trust, and helped to protect the architecture of Venice. He shaped welfare reforms in Britain, his views helping to shape welfare reforms such as the introduction of the minimal wage., free school meals, etc. etc.