Joseph Wright of Derby

Joseph Wright of Derby, an English painter born in 1734, is renowned for his contributions to the Romanticism movement. Wright's work is distinguished by his masterful use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes the contrast between light and dark, which he employed to dramatic effect in his depictions of scientific experiments and industrial scenes. His painting "An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump" exemplifies his fascination with the Enlightenment and the burgeoning Industrial Revolution. Wright's association with the Lunar Society, a group of prominent intellectuals and industrialists, further influenced his thematic focus on science and progress. Throughout his career, Wright also produced landscapes and portraits, expanding his repertoire beyond his signature candlelit scenes. He passed away in 1797, leaving behind a legacy that underscores the intersection of art, science, and industry during a transformative period in British history.