Orecchie e Segnalibri · Radio Music Free

#978 - John Ruskin - "Le pietre di Venezia"

·15 min·1 clip

John Ruskin believed restoration meant replacing originals with copies—a view that challenges modern conservation ethics.

The episode begins with host Gianluigi Coltri introducing his podcast Orecchie e Segna Libri and today's focus on John Ruskin's 'The Stones of Venice.' Coltri notes the book was first published in Italian by Rizzoli in 1987, with the latest reprint in 2013. He reads Ruskin's poetic opening passage that compares Venice to the ancient fallen city of Tyre, describing Venice as a ghostly beauty on the sea. Coltri provides biographical context: Ruskin lived from 1819 to 1900 and was a writer, critic, and influential figure in British intellectual life. He mentions Ruskin's deep love for Venice, quoting scholar John Rosenberg's observation that Ruskin was 'more in love with Venice than with his wife.' The host discusses Ruskin's controversial stance on restoration, which involved replacing originals with copies—a view contrasted with modern techniques like Japanese kintsugi that highlight repairs. Coltri explains how Ruskin merged aesthetics with ethics, giving artists social responsibility and a mission to serve beauty. He highlights Ruskin's detailed analysis of Gothic style in Venice and how stones were transformed in churches and palaces. The episode emphasizes Ruskin's immersive approach, contrasting it with superficial tourism. Coltri describes Ruskin's drawings of the Ducal Palace capitals, noting how each pillar sculpture is unique and carries symbolic meaning often overlooked by visitors. He connects Venice's architecture to cultural integration, mentioning Byzantine, Sassanid, and international Gothic influences. The host positions the book as an essential source for studying Venice's artistic contribution to universal culture. He concludes by noting even Jorge Luis Borges referenced Ruskin when discussing Venice, and mentions one can find the house where Ruskin lived during his Venetian studies.

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