Inaugural Lecture: Exploring art's transformative power and societal impact in Ruskin's influential essay collection

In his seminal work *Inaugural Lecture*, John Ruskin presents a profound exploration of art, architecture, and the moral responsibility of humanity towards nature and society. Delivered upon his appointment as the Professor of Fine Arts at Oxford in 1858, this lecture is characterized by Ruskin's eloquent prose and vivid imagery, a hallmark of his literary style that blends passionate rhetoric with incisive social critique. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, Ruskin'Äôs insights reflect a burgeoning awareness of the industrial age's impact on art and the environment, marking a crucial moment in the intersection of aesthetics and ethics in the 19th century. John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a leading art critic, social thinker, and a prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement. His diverse experiences in art history and criticism, alongside his deep commitment to social reform, shaped his view that the essential purpose of art transcends mere beauty, seeking instead to cultivate a deeper understanding of virtue and truth. This lecture embodies his mission to redeem art from the constraints of commercialism and to advocate for a more meaningful, humanistic approach to culture. *Inaugural Lecture* is essential reading for anyone interested in the relationship between art and society. Ruskin'Äôs incisive commentary invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of beauty and morality, making it not only a crucial text for students of art history but also for those who wish to engage thoughtfully with the moral implications of the human experience.

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Rafbók: 8 december 2020