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Joseph Wright (Wright of Derby)
1734-1797 England/Baroque
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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. |
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Click an Image to Enlarge
Viewing the
Gladiator

Girl Reading a
Letter

Indian
Widow

Lake
Nemi

Sir Richard
Arkwright

Experiment on
a bird

In Search of the
Philosopher's Stone

Penelope Unravelling
her Web

Brooke
Boothby

Opening
the Grave

Rainbow

Hermit
Studing

Blacksmiths
Shop

Iron
Forge

The Iron
Forge

Peter
and Hannah

Old Man
and Death

View in
Matlock

Earthstopper

San
Cosimato

The Wood
Children

Arkwright's
Goat

Arkwrights
with Kite

Harvey
Wilmot

Vesuvius from
Posillipo

Two Boys
Blowing a Bladder

Philosopher Lecturing
on the Orrery

Orrery
Detail

Miss Frances
Warren

Fireworks
display

Boy
with Kite

Two Girls Dressing
a Kittent

Cave in the
Evening

Academy by
Lamplight

Cottage on Fire
at Night

Lake with
Castle on a Hill

Mrs. Robert
Gwillym

The
Vesuvius

Portrait
of a Lady

Vesuvius
from Portici

The Corinthian
Maid

Reverend Basil
Bury Beridge

Richard Arkwright
Junior

Robert
Gwillym

john coates
browne
