1887 Examples of the Architecture of Venice Selected and Drawn to Measurement From the Edifices

Description

Illustrated, Publishers' Original Binding, Very Scarce

A very scarce large paper edition of this work, which is extracted from Ruskin's 'Stones of Venice'. Loose as issued. This work is a detailed study on Venetian architecture. In the work, Ruskin describes over eight churches, and going into the architectural history of the city during the Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance periods. During his research for this work, Ruskin visited Venice twice with his wife Effie, the first visit being during the winter of 1849-1850. For his research, Ruskin sketched throughout the city, and, in 1849, bought his own camera, so he could take daguerreotypes. He made the effort to go and draw the Ca' d'Oro, and the Doge's Palace (or Palazzo Ducale), due to his fears that they would be destroyed by occupying Austrian troops. Ruskin wished to show how Venetian architecture exemplified the principles of architecture that he had put forward in his earlier work, 'The Seven Lamps of Architecture'. However, it was also a veiled criticism of modern society and the moral and spiritual health of society, which he views as degenerating. He viewed this degradation of the influence of true Christian faith. He critiques and attacks the division of labour, and industrial capitalism. Illustrated with sixteen plates. Collated, complete.