III - SPEECH ON THOMAS SEDDON (1857)

Summary

1. Mr. Ruskin commenced by remarking that it was no part of his intention, in appearing before them, to enter into a general consideration of the views which had actuated the formation of the committee which had been set on foot, relative to the purchase by the nation of Seddon's great picture of Jerusalem, which was now exhibited before them. There were associated in that committee men of various opinions and of various professions, and there was such a contrast in the characters of the individuals who had united to further this object, that it could hardly be expected that he should appear before this meeting in any way as the exponent of all their various views. He might perhaps be allowed, in some measure, to express the views of that portion of the committee who began the movement, [and] with whom he entirely sympathised.

He believed that some objection had been taken to the idea of placing this picture in the national collection of paintings, because it was said that they sought to bring it forward as a unique picture, or as one so admirable that they were never likely to look upon such again. For his own part he differed from that view. It was not because he considered it remarkable, but because he considered it not remarkable, that he wished this picture to become the property of the nation; he regarded it as the type of a class of pictures and of works which might be understood and imitated by other men, and the understanding of which would be advantageous to the nation in future.