Glen Finglas

Today's the day .......................... to follow in the footsteps

'Art is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking for ideal truth'                                                                              John Ruskin

Poet, author, social thinker and artist, John Ruskin was a regular Trossachs-tourist - and it was at this very spot that he was painted  in 1853 by his friend and protégé, John Everett Millais.

It was a radical painting for that time. It captured both the physical and ideological essences of Ruskin.  The setting of the painting reflected Ruskin's deep love of nature and his philosophy that nature should be portrayed in an honest way.  This hidden gorge, rich in all things natural - the foaming water, the lush plant growth and the slippery rocks - was a perfect setting in which to paint him.

The story has a somewhat unconventional ending however.  It was during this trip to the Trossachs that Millais fell in love with Ruskin's wife, Effie.  The Ruskins' seven-year marriage had never been a very happy one and consummation had never taken place.  The following year, the marriage was annulled - allowing Millais and Effie to marry.

As far as I know, they lived happily ever after - but I daresay that John Ruskin was a bit miffed at the unintended consequence of his holiday in the Trossachs .........................