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It always makes me a little sad that no discussion of Ruskin can occur without at least some mention of his first wife's pubic hair (allegedly, no doubt apocryp
by bshimmin 10y ago
It always makes me a little sad that no discussion of Ruskin can occur without at least some mention of his first wife's pubic hair (allegedly, no doubt apocryphally, the discovery of which on Ruskin's part led to their marriage never being consummated) or the wretched story of Rose La Touche. Unto This Last is probably one of the more important books I've ever read (and I wish I'd thought more deeply and more often about the words "There is no wealth but life" during the fifteen years or so since I first read it), but it seems impossible to advocate or encourage reading him when the more prurient aspects of Ruskin are all anyone seems to care about now.
If you're ever up in the Lake District in the north west of England, Ruskin's house, Brantwood, is well worth a visit.
- panglott 10y agoThis comment about his wife's pubic hair prompted me to read the original article; but alas, pubic hair is not mentioned there, but brought up only in this comment.
- bshimmin 10y agoThis article is fairly typical on the subject: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2014/jul/06/john-ruskin-repulsed-by-wifes-pubic-hair https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2014/jul/...
- jimnotgym 10y agoAnd if you are ever in Oxford there is a fabulous painting of Ruskin on the top floor of the Ashmolean by Millais. This is significant as Millais apparently had no problem with Ruskins wifes pubic hair and married her after the annulment. Ruskin insisted Millais finished the portrait despite this. Also it is a stunning picture