An Original Hand Written and signed Letter by Philosopher John Ruskin. Letter dated 1876. A handwritten and signed letter by the 19th century writer John Ruskin, written as Slade Professor of Fine Art to the linguist Arthur Cornwallis Madan. 'My dear Sir, I examined the little picture yesterday with great care. It is good quality but does not assert itself as by any consummate master; and, on account of its painful subject, I should be distinctly adverse to its being placed in the University galleries:- though I am sure the Trustees would feel grateful for your offer of it. Believe me, Most truly yours, J Ruskin' John Ruskin 1819 – 1900 was a polymath, the leading English art critic of the Victorian era, as well as an art patron, draughtsman, watercolourist, philosopher, prominent social thinker and philanthropist. He wrote on subjects as varied as geology, architecture, myth, ornithology, literature, education, botany and political economy. Size 180mm x115mm. Condition is average. Repair to rear joining letter together and foxing.