Ruskin and the Science of Colour

Kemp, Sandra and Kemp, Victoria (2026) Ruskin and the Science of Colour. In: A Companion to Color :. Blackwell Companions to Art History . Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 374-392. ISBN 9781394238668 (In Press)

Abstract

This chapter examines John Ruskin’s engagement with the colour blue, exploring its aesthetic, symbolic, scientific, and emotional significance in his work. Divided into two sections, the first analyses Ruskin’s theoretical perspectives on blue, as expressed in his lectures and critical texts; while the second section shifts to Ruskin’s practical advice for artists, particularly on the technical challenges of depicting blue in painting. Using analytical techniques, the study examines blue pigments in artworks from Ruskin’s university teaching collections at Oxford, Lancaster, and Harvard, and situates his radical ideas within nineteenth-century debates on colour in art, architecture, science, and the natural world. By exploring Ruskin’s influence on art, science, and philosophy, this chapter underscores his role as a mediator between tradition and innovation, revealing his lasting impact on colour theory and perception.