, 1879-06-08
JOHN RUSKIN.
Peu-sketch Of One Of the Queerest OF Critics
--A Very Peculiar Marriage and Its SEQUEL
The IIugnenot Lovers"

Peu~sketoh Of One Of the Queerest OF Critic.
"a Very Peculiar Marriage and Its Sequel
Tho IIuEnenot Lovers"
London Correspondence san Francisco CHrontc1<.
The late suit Of Whistler, the American paint
er, long resident here, against John Ruskin, TO,
what he pronounced unjust and injurious criti
cism, has attracted SO much attention as tc
bring the noted critic into new prominence.
Not for long time has suit affecting private
interests alone caused such comnotfon both ia
England and America The plaintiff has, it Is
admitted, been tnjudicous, though it is rot
strange that, smarting from wounded self-love,
he should have wanted some sort OF satisfaction,
only to be sought in this country IN courts OF
justice, as they are termed, without Intentional
satire. Whistler did not think be was resent
ing personal affront.- He imagined, on
the contrary. that he was protecting
art and artists by appealing to
the majesty Of law. against the
wrong that had been done them In bis proper
individuality. Ruskfn IS 90 uuamiable, egotfs-
tic, and unspnring Of harsh epithets towards
those daring to differ with him in opinion that
his charge that Whistler filings pot of paint Ia
the face Of the public and calls 1t art may be
considered very mild way for Ruskin Of find
ing fault. The best thing unouestionabiy would
have been to take no notice OF the charge which
has been emnhasized and strengthened bY the
trial. But Whistler is not patient or philosoph-
ic. The critic made him angry and be vented,
though he did not exhaust, hts anger By suit.
It may be, too that the Lainter has really sus-
tanned damage, since in Europe, as in America,
pictuFe-buyers usually have more money than
1udgment or taste, and are Obliged, therefore,
to depend on the opinion Of critics as to the
merit OF things. .Ruskin's reputation as critic.
although it may not be entirely deserved, is sec
ond to that Of no man In the United Kingdom,
and bis published censure OF III artist might do
him serious financial injury. Nobody doubts
bis capacity or culture; but he Is too inperuouy,
irritable, and captious to inspire uuitorm faith
In MS ,utterances. He is. taken altogether.
singular perSon,-so singular that his antece-
dents and traits will furnish an Interesting
chapter to eccentric biography.
. Joln Ruskln has been conspicuous Is critic
LOT thirty-hEo years, and yet he is only CO. son
OF rich merchant here, be had every advantage
o1 education, and was graduated at Oxford
Christ Church College) at 23, having dtsttn-
Rulshed himself from his early years By facile
and brilliant composition, and having taken at
~ tue NeWdegate nrizc for English poetry.
having strong leaning to art, he made spe-
,ial study OF it, and himself painted for some |
time IN Tater-co1ors and oils,-gaining some |
oroac'encr. It Is said; though should not think
histler claims, as has often been ciaimed, that
10 person can be competent critic OF painting |
Unless he be 3 painter himself Ruakin mav |
Told the same view. thinking that be would not |
'e excluded thereby, though he certainly would
&c In the Judgment Of the impartial. He may |
he does kuoW-a great deal about
Lgt;: huk to designate him al al, artist In /