In his day; John Ruskin (1819-1900) held the power to make or break artists with his critical reviews. He served as benefactor to many artists; and was a huge supporter of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Ruskin still to this day has many schools named after him; including the fine arts program; Ruskin College; at Oxford; his alma mater. His legacy holds the titles poet and artist as well; as he wrote works that were very popular during his lifetime; and remain relevant today. One of the artists to which John Ruskin was a patron was the skilled watercolorist Louisa; Marchioness of Waterford. Louisas daughter; Rose la Touche; was the inspiration for "Sesames and Lilies". Ruskin met Rose when she was just ten years old; and grew completely enamored of her. He proposed to her when she was just seventeen; but was ultimately rejected; an event that many scholars agree caused his mental disintegration. "Sesames and Lilies" is an articulation of Ruskins societal views; encouraging women to recognize their most important role: to morally guide men; and embrace that position.
#2320738 in eBooks 2000-12-27 2011-01-01File Name: B005WUIVL8
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