John Ruskin (1819 - 1900) England Pencil on Paper. Dated 1884 Measure 6 1/4"in H x 6 3/4"in W and 10 1/2"in H x 11"in W with frame Known for: Watercolor painting, draughtsman, writing. Biography: John Ruskin, English author, art critic and watercolorist, was born in London. Son of a wealthy wine merchant, he was brought up in a cultured and religious family, but his mother's over protectiveness undoubtedly contributed to his later psychological troubles. Ruskin did not marry again, although on occasions he fell in love with girls much younger than himself and his last disappointment over Rose la Touche contributed to his mental breakdown, which caused him to spend his last years in seclusion at Brantwood on Lake Coniston, where he wrote Praeterita, an unfinished account of his early life. Much of his wealth he devoted to the 'Guild of St. George', which he founded, and other schemes of social welfare.