An Inquiry Into Whistler vs. Ruskin

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Inquiry into Whistler vs. Ruskin In 1877 the Grovesnor Gallery in London England exhibited a painting by James Abbott McNeill Whistler titled "The Nocturnes in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket." The painting was a pre-impressionistic piece representing a firework display on the Thames River at night. At the time of the exhibit the distinction between what was considered acceptable and unacceptable art was clearly defined and this painting, being experimental, fell among the latter. John Ruskin, Victorian London's most renowned art critic, was a champion of tradition. His viewing of the painting inspired such distaste that he wrote in his publication "Fors Clavigera": For Mr. Whistler’s own sake, no less 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 willful imposture. I have seen and heard, 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. (Merrill, 47) Whistler was shown the review by friend and fellow artist, who suggested it potentially libelous, he then contacted well respect barrister and close friend Andrew Rose to prepare a case against Ruskin. Whistler, after a brief but highly publicized trial, won but was awarded no more then one farthing, a quarter of a penny, in damages. Although the winnings awarded were nominal, he none the less won leaving behind my question of interest in this case: What constituted the conviction of libel in the 1877 court case Whistler vs. Ruskin, and where did the law draw the line between line between libel and criticism in art as it pertains to this case? The artists of Victorian London had been at the mercy of the Royal Academy and were considered
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