“Cloud Study,” created by John Ruskin in 1880, is a notable artwork within the Romanticism movement. Exhibiting characteristics of a sketch and study genre, the artwork exemplifies Ruskin’s meticulous observation of natural phenomena.
The artwork presents a dramatic interplay between light and shadow, capturing the ethereal nature of clouds. The carefully rendered strokes suggest a study of atmospheric conditions, with wisps of clouds in varying shades of blue, white, and hints of warmer colors. The broad, sweeping brushstrokes and delicate transitions highlight the transient beauty and dynamism of the sky. The piece embodies the Romantic fascination with nature’s sublimity, evoking a sense of wonder and contemplation.
