Turner, J. M. W. (Joseph Mallord William), 1775-1851. Walls of Rome with the Tomb of Caius Sestus

Scope and Contents: Ruskin has acquired Turner's Walls of Rome for Heaton, having "no hesitation in ranking this as among the nine or ten best vignettes which Turner ever executed." Ruskin comments on the qualities of the Walls of Rome and of the Berne. He recommends at once "to have these two vignettes framed so as not to touch the glass -- and pasted in at back to keep out Leeds smoke. The least yellowing in the ...

Scope and Contents: Ruskin expresses his sympathy for Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who is ill. Ruskin informs Heaton he will send her photographs which are to be copied in sepia, chalk or pencil "as if they were nature itself." Ruskin argues, against the "Masters", that this practice "will do more for a pupil than a years common teaching." Ruskin praises Turner's use of space and drawing of form, praising Walls of Rome as a better work than his ...

Scope and Contents: Ruskin advises Heaton on the preservation of her recently acquired Turner pieces, stating that the Walls of Rome and St Angelo can be displayed, provided they are "securely pasted in at the back." He says that he would not expose the Parnassus at all, for fear of damage by gas. He tells Heaton that candlelight would not damage the works. Turner praises Elizabeth Barrett Browning's ...

Scope and Contents: Ruskin apologizes for not meeting Heaton when she was last in London. Ruskin describes the work he has being doing with regards to the National Gallery's Turner collection, saying he has been kept very busy. Ruskin says he will not prepare more than 1,000 for exhibition in the coming winter. Ruskin describes some of the works as "valueless in England -- but very valuable on the Continent in a few years." He tells Heaton he found "a very precious" sketch book containing...