Thun by John Ruskin.1854. Pencil, ink, watercolour and bodycolour on two joined sheets. Both sheets inscribed in black ink, verso: “1854. JR.” Collection: Ruskin Foundation, Ruskin Library, Lancaster University. ©Ruskin Foundation. [Click on image to enlarge it.]
According to Stephen Wildman, “Although Murray's Handbook for Travellers in Switzerland described Thun as 'a very curious old town [which] contains within its walls nothing especially worthy of notice', Ruskin always liked the place. This was partly for its associations with Turner, who had painted several watercolours of scenes around thelake of Thun, but also for its simplicity. In Ruskin's diary for 24 June 1854, he recorded "a lovely walk this afternoon through the streets of Thun in the balmy air, all the people at their windows, looking happy and quaint, and full of interest" (51).
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Bibliography
Wildman, Stephen. John Ruskin: Photographer & Draughtsman. Compton, Surrey: Watts Gallery, 2014. p. 51.
Ruskin, John. Works, "The Library Edition." eds. E. T. Cook and Alexander Wedderburn. 39 vols. London: George Allen, 1903-1912.
Last modified 4 March 2014