John Ruskin's Venice: Major Exhibition at Palazzo Ducale Nears Close

A major exhibition titled 'John Ruskin. Le pietre di Venezia' at Palazzo Ducale in Venice is nearing its close. It is the first in Italy to survey John Ruskin's artistic career, emphasizing his creative talent against the backdrop of Venice. Curated by Anna Ottani Cavina and promoted by Gabriella Belli, the show moves beyond Ruskin's literary masterpiece 'The Stones of Venice' to present his watercolors, drawings, and sketches. Displayed in the Stanze del Doge, the works are arranged like film frames, with lighting by Pier Luigi Pizzi. Ruskin, who visited Venice repeatedly between 1835 and 1888, championed Venetian Gothic architecture against Renaissance dominance. Influenced by Turner, whose works are also shown, Ruskin sought to capture Venice as a living subject, opposing decay and reconstructive restorations. His detailed approach extended to daguerreotypes. The exhibition concludes by returning focus to 'The Stones of Venice', the culmination of his decades-long work.