Who Is the Founder of Modern Art Criticism?

Art|Modern Art

Modern art criticism has a long and complex history, with many influential figures throughout the years. One of the most important figures in the development of modern art criticism is John Ruskin. He was born in London in 1819, and became an influential English art critic, social thinker, and philanthropist.

Ruskin was highly critical of the modern art world and its lack of appreciation for traditional values in art. He argued that modern art had become overly commercialized and artistically meaningless.

He believed that beauty should be found in nature and that artists should strive to create works that were true to the spirit of nature. His criticisms were seen as revolutionary at the time, as they pushed against the status quo of what was popularly accepted as ‘art’.

In his book Modern Painters (1843-60), Ruskin developed a critical theory which argued for an appreciation of nature as a source of beauty. He argued that true beauty could only be found in nature, not in man-made objects or objects created by machines. This book was highly influential in shifting attitudes towards nature-based art and helped to create a new school of thought known as ‘Ruskinianism’.

Ruskin also wrote about architecture, encouraging people to look for beauty in structures made from natural materials such as wood and stone. His theories led to a renewed appreciation for traditional architecture styles such as Gothic and Romanesque styles, which had been largely forgotten by many people at the time.

John Ruskin’s influence on modern art criticism cannot be overstated; his theories formed the basis of much of today’s understanding of what makes good art great or bad art mediocre. His ideas encouraged people to look beyond what is commercially popular or trendy, inspiring them instead to look at what is truly beautiful – something only found within nature itself. For these reasons, John Ruskin can rightly be considered one of the founders of modern day art criticism.

Conclusion:

John Ruskin is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern day art criticism due to his revolutionary views on aesthetics and his belief that true beauty could only be found within nature itself. His writings helped to create a new school of thought known as ‘Ruskinianism’ which encouraged people to appreciate traditional architecture styles such as Gothic and Romanesque styles which had been largely forgotten at the time.