What was at stake in the legal dispute between John Ruskin and James A.
Before the nineteenth century, most artists were considered the mediums through which religion could represent morality. Since many of the masses were illiterate, paintings were the most effective way of educating them. Those in positions of authority also used paintings to convey their wealth and power. Therefore, artists had a high position within society. However, with the advent of modernity during the industrial revolution, literacy and printing increased. This meant that there was less need for artists as printing was cheaper and more effective in reaching a wider audience.
By the nineteenth century, the patronage of artists had all but disappeared. This meant that only middle class or aristocratic men could afford to be educated as artists, ensuring the continuation of the traditional view that art had to be morally or spiritually edifying. Yet, many of the modern young artists saw this independence as an opportunity to use their art as a medium to express their feelings and experiences. It was against this backdrop that the trial between Whistler and Ruskin caught the public interest.
The underlying reason for the trial was a libel case, brought about by the American painter, James Whistler, against the notable art critic, John Ruskin. Ruskin had been offended by Whistlers painting called, "Nocturne in Black and Gold: the Falling Rocket", Ruskin wrote in the newspaper:.
"For Mr Whistler's own sake, no less than for the protection of .
the purchaser, Sir Coutts Lindsay ought not to have admitted.
works into the gallery in which the ill-educated conceit of the.
artist so nearly approached the aspect of wilful imposture. I.
have seen much of cockney impudence before now; but never.
expected to hear a coxcomb ask two hundred guineas for flinging .
a pot of paint in the public's face" (Ruskin 1877, Letter 79).
Ruskin was outraged that Whistler was charging a lot of money for a painting which appeared to have been created in a short space of time; in a manner in which anyone could paint or as Ruskin saw it "ill-educated.
