January 20

Born in London in 1819, John Ruskin became the leading art critic of the Victorian era, advocating for truth to nature. His seminal works, including 'Modern Painters' and 'The Stones of Venice', influenced architecture and the Gothic revival. Ruskin was also an accomplished watercolor artist, celebrated for his delicate landscapes and architectural studies. Beyond art, he wrote on social justice, education, and political economy, inspiring the Arts and Crafts movement. He passed away on January 20, 1900, leaving a lasting legacy across art, literature, and social reform.

Robinson Jeffers was a pioneering American poet known for his stoic and nature-centered verse set against the rugged California coastline. Born in 1887, he published influential collections such as 'Tamar and Other Poems' and 'Hurt Hawks.' Jeffers's work explores themes of environmentalism, human folly, and the grandeur of the natural world. His philosophical outlook, often called 'inhumanism,' challenged contemporary social norms and celebrated wilderness. He taught briefly at the University of Southern California before retiring to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Jeffers's poetic legacy continues to inspire readers with its moral depth and lyrical power.