Chamouni, Rocks and Vegetation

Ruskin’s interest in geology, rock formations and glaciations combine in this meticulous study of rocks and vegetation. He takes great care to detail the Alpine plants in every crevice, before finally splashing the sheet with bodycolour.

This watercolour illustrates the kind of naturalism Ruskin championed in the work of the Pre-Raphaelites. The approach is similar that of Millais in his celebrated portrait of Ruskin at Glenfinlas, painted the following year.