Joseph Wright of Derby
United Kingdom 1734-1797
Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797) was an English artist renowned for his captivating paintings that combined the grandeur of history painting with the intimacy of domestic and scientific themes. Born in Derby, England, Wright's oeuvre is celebrated for its innovative use of light and shadow, which has led to him being recognized as one of the most significant figures in the development of British Romantic art.
Wright began his artistic journey under the tutelage of his father, Thomas Wright, also an artist, before venturing out to study in London. However, he returned to Derby and established himself there, where his unique style flourished. His work often captured the spirit of the Enlightenment, illustrating the intellectual curiosity of the time through subjects such as experiments with science and technology, and scenes from literature and everyday life.
One of Wright's most notable contributions to art history is his series of nocturnal paintings featuring candlelit interiors, a genre he virtually invented. These works are characterized by their dramatic illumination and chiaroscuro effects, creating a sense of awe and wonder. "A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery" and "An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump" are among his most famous pieces, depicting scientific inquiry and philosophical debate with an emotional depth that transcends the mere documentation of events.
Beyond his fascination with science, Wright also painted portraits and landscapes. His portraits exhibit a profound psychological insight into his subjects, while his landscapes often convey a sense of the sublime, inspired by the natural world and reflecting the contemporary taste for picturesque and romantic views.
Throughout his career, Wright's influence extended beyond his immediate circle. He was a founding member of the Royal Academy and interacted with leading thinkers and artists of his day. Despite being based outside London, his reputation spread across Britain and Europe, earning him commissions from patrons who appreciated his ability to capture the spirit of the age.
Collection of Works(Page 1)
A Church in Italy
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 6745 × 5146 px
A Grotto in the Gulf of Salerno, Sunset
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 3442 × 2662 px
Academy By Lamplight
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 4926 × 6268 px
Cavern, near Naples
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 3582 × 2844 px
A Lake by Moonlight
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 6331 × 5245 px
An Opening in a Cloudy Sky
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 2328 × 1638 px
Church with a Tiled Roof and Tower
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 2333 × 1648 px
A cottage on fire at night
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 3169 × 2401 px
A view of Vesuvius from Posillipo, Naples
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 4135 × 2862 px
Carved Panel and Ornament
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 2343 × 1624 px
Cottage on Fire
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Joseph Wright of Derby
Resolution: 5290 × 4050 px