The Candlelit World of Joseph Wright of Derby
**Joseph Wright of Derby: A Pioneer of Enlightenment Art**
Joseph Wright of Derby, an enigmatic figure in the art world, stands as a testament to the confluence of art, science, and the burgeoning intellectual fervor of the Enlightenment. Born in 1734, this visionary painter utilized an extreme form of chiaroscuro—tenebrism—to bring to life the dramatic moments of scientific exploration and human revelation.
His masterpiece, “An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump” (1768), exemplifies Wright’s unique artistic vision. The painting depicts a scientific experiment conducted in the dead of night, with a single, intense light source illuminating the scene, creating an atmosphere of suspense and wonder. By employing tenebrism, Wright elevates these moments of scientific inquiry to the grandeur traditionally reserved for historical or mythological themes.
Wright’s work is intricately linked with the intellectual climate of Derby, a hub for pioneering industrialists and thinkers such as Josiah Wedgwood and the Lunar Society of Birmingham. His canvases captured the spirit of the Enlightenment, where science and moral revelation were intertwined.
The exhibition “Wright of Derby: From the Shadows” at the National Gallery highlights Wright’s tenebrism, focusing on the painterly technicality that set him apart. His use of bright white lead paint and darker “dead-coloring” techniques emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of his style. The exhibition also includes works like “The Alchymist” and “A Philosopher Giving That Lecture on the Orrery,” complemented by historical artifacts like orreries and peepshows, which illustrate Wright’s innovative approach to capturing light and shadow.
Despite his skill and vision, Wright remains relatively obscure compared to contemporaries like Hogarth, perhaps due to his geographical remoteness and niche subject matter. However, the emotional depth and grandeur of Wright’s work render him a fascinating figure in art history—an overlooked master whose work embodies the excitement and optimism of the Enlightenment era. Through exhibitions like “From the Shadows,” Wright is rightfully recognized as the “local boy done epic,” whose art continues to captivate with its warmth, charm, and intellectual vigor.