Ruskin's first catalogue of 300 works for the instruction of undergraduates and his notes on the use of particular examples.
The lithograph shows Triptolemus in his chariot, clutching stalks of wheat; Hermes stands before him, holding his caduceus. It reproduces the decoration of a black-figure amphora then in the Museum at Compiègne. The print was plate XLVIII in the third volume of Lenormant and de Witte's "Elite des monuments céramographiques", published in 1858. It was presumably taken from Ruskin's copy of the work now preserved in the Ruskin Library (inventory no. 1996B2621), which is missing many of its plates.
The print was first catalogued by Ruskin in 1870, when it appeared as no 23 I in the Educational Series in the "Catalogue of Examples", entitled "Triptolemus of the early time" and accompanying plates from Lenormant and de Witte representing Selene and Triptolemus. In 1871, it had moved slightly to no. 23 H, placed in Case II, "Elementary Illustrations of Greek Design". It remained in the same position, although renumbered as no. 46, in the 1874 catalogue of the series, but does not appear in Ruskin's 1878 reorganisation of the series.
In the "Catalogue of Examples", Ruskin noted how Hermes was included in place of wings on the chariot, to symbolise clouds; and he instructed his students to draw the outlines in pen.
Presented by John Ruskin to the Ruskin Drawing School (University of Oxford), 1875; transferred from the Ruskin Drawing School to the Ashmolean Museum, c.1949.
Ruskin, John, Catalogue of the Educational Series (London: Smith, Elder, 1871), cat. Educational no. 23.H
Ruskin, John, Catalogue of the Educational Series (London: Spottiswoode, 1874), cat. Educational no. 46
Ruskin, John, Catalogue of Examples Arranged for Elementary Study in the University Galleries (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1870), cat. Educational no. 23.I
Lenormant, Charles, and Jean de Witte, Elite des monuments céramographiques: Matériaux pour l'histoire des religions et des moeurs de l'antiquité, 4 vols in 8 (Paris: Leleux, 1844-1861), vol. III, pl. XLVIII
Ruskin, John, ‘The Ruskin Art Collection at Oxford: Catalogues, Notes and Instructions’, Edward T. Cook and Alexander Wedderburn, eds, The Works of John Ruskin: Library Edition, 39 (London: George Allen, 1903-1912), 21, cat. Educational no. 46
Hermes is here put for the cloud, instead of wings to the chariot; his caduceus reversed to show that he is descending.
Draw the outlines of the whole with the pen, and the curves of the stalks of corn, and ears, in full black.