Beschreibung:

JOHN RUSKIN (1819-1900) Autograph letter, signed 'J. Ruskin', from Denmark Hill, S.E., 6 January 1869, 3pp, 8°, to an unknown recipient ('To George Reid Aberdeen' inscribed in another hand at the head), regarding 'the often agitated window question'. He speaks in detail of German stained glass, 'it always pleases the public - partly as a magic lantern does children' and is not impressed by it. He encloses an extract from the second volume of The Stones of Venice - 'but no English or Scottish firm that I know of are capable of designing glass in this noble manner'. He cites the window by Violet-le-Duc in the Sainte Chapelle in Paris as the best modern window he has seen. He ends by asking about a cathedral, illustrating his question with a pen and ink drawing of a gothic arch (creased on folds). Together with an one-page autograph note from Brantwood, Coniston, (inscribed 'From Mr Ruskin, 11 Dec. 1878' in another hand at the head), positive criticism of a lady's work but 'what lovely things this lady could have done, with just the least bit of non conceit of herself' (creased on folds, thumb soiling). With twelve other letters from Ruskin's physician, Dr. Brown, mostly to a Miss Johnston on various subjects. (14)