Brief Biography-Joseph Wright, called Wright of Derby, from whence he came, was born in 1734. In 1751, he studied under the portraitist Thomas Hudson in London. Wright returned to Derby in 1758 and became successful as a portraitist touring nearby towns. He soon established a high reputation and received many commissions for three years in Liverpool.
In 1773, he toured Italy with John Downman, his wife Ann, and a student. There Wright sketched his Vesuvius from Portici and Fireworks at Castel Sant’Angelo, which Wright finished back in Derby.
After his return in 1775, he tried unsuccessfully to work in Bath when Gainsborough left for London, and he moved back to Derby in 1777, where he was to remain. Sir Richard Arkwright and Sir Josiah Wedgewood became patrons and friends.
In 1784, he was elected an Academician but turned it down. It is suspected because he did not want any obligation connected with it. He also quarrelled with the Academy over various issues. In his later years, he concentrated on landscapes around the Lakelands. He died at Derby in 1797.
Some of his most famous paintings noted for chiaroscuro are Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery, Alchemist in Search of the Philosopher's Stone and Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight.