John Ruskin
John Ruskin, (1819-1900). British art critic and essayist. The son of a London wine merchant, he had a very sheltered upbringing. His Modern Painters. (1843-60) was enormously influential, while his works on architecture and the Pre-Raphaelites confirmed him as the greatest critic of the time. Later, he turned to writing on social and political themes. He married Effie Gray in 1848, but the marriage was annulled after six years on grounds of non-consummation and Effie married the artist Millais (1855). As Slade professor of fine arts at Oxford (1870-84), Ruskin tried to promote community life and craftsmanship. He resigned because of recurring mental illness and retired to the Lake District.
