"I have not written in vain if I have heretofore done anything towards diminishing the reputation of the Renaissance landscape painting"

John Ruskin was a British art critic and social thinker who wrote extensively about the importance of art in society. In this quote, he is revealing his belief that his works have had a positive impact on the credibility of Renaissance landscape painting. He is recommending that his works have actually assisted to lower the prestige of Renaissance landscape painting, which he thought was exaggerated. He was vital of the way Renaissance landscape painting was used to glorify the rich and powerful, and he argued that it was not a real representation of nature. He believed that art needs to be utilized to express the charm of nature, not to glorify the wealthy and powerful. By reducing the credibility of Renaissance landscape painting, he intended to motivate individuals to appreciate the charm of nature and to produce art that was more real to life.