Early Life and Training

Joseph Wright ARA, a prominent English landscape and portrait painter, was born on September 3, 1734, in Derby, United Kingdom. He was the son of John Wright and Abigail (née Street). Joseph had two elder brothers, John and Richard Wright. Deciding to become a painter, Wright went to London in 1751 and for two years studied under Thomas Hudson, the master of Joshua Reynolds.

Artistic Career

Wright's artistic career can be characterized by his use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes the contrast between light and dark. This style is evident in many of his works, including An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768), which showcases the spirit of the Industrial Revolution.

• Portrait of Mr. Anthony Greatorex (SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah, United States) demonstrates Wright's skill in capturing the essence of his subjects.
• The Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight (1765) and A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery (1766), both housed at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, are excellent examples of his work.
• Moonlight Landscape (John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Florida) equally dramatic, with the moon obscured by an arched bridge over water, making the water sparkle in contrast to the dusky landscape.

Later Life and Legacy

Wright married Ann (also known as Hannah) Swift, the daughter of a leadminer, on July 28, 1773. He spent a productive period in Liverpool from 1768 to 1771, painting portraits of prominent citizens and their families. Wright's later years were marked by increasing asthma and nervousness, which he was treated for by his friend Erasmus Darwin. Ann Wright died on August 17, 1790, and Joseph Wright passed away at his new home in Derby on August 29, 1797.

Artistic Movement and Influence

Wright's work is associated with the Neo-Classicism and Romanticism movements. He was influenced by Alexander Cozens, whose technique he applied to his compositions. Wright's candlelit subjects, such as The Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight, are seen as some of his best works. View more of Joseph Wright of Derby's artwork on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@/Joseph-Wright-Of-Derby](https://WahooArt.com/@/joseph-wright-of-derby)

Early Life and Training

Joseph Wright ARA, a prominent English landscape and portrait painter, was born on September 3, 1734, in Derby, United Kingdom. He is renowned for being the first professional painter to express the spirit of the Industrial Revolution. Wright's artistic journey began with studying under Thomas Hudson in London from 1751 to 1753.

Artistic Style and Influences

Wright's work is characterized by his use of chiaroscuro, emphasizing the contrast between light and dark. This technique is evident in his paintings, such as The Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight (1765), A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery (1766), and An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768). Wright's style was influenced by Alexander Cozens, as seen in his application of Cozens' ideas for composition.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Wright's notable works include:

• Dovedale by Moonlight, capturing the rural landscape of a narrow valley near Derby.
• Moonlight Landscape, featuring a dramatic, arched bridge over water.
• Rydal Waterfall (1795), showcasing his skill in landscape painting.

Wright frequently contributed to the exhibitions of the Society of Artists and the Royal Academy, becoming an associate in 1781 and a full member in 1784.

Legacy and Later Life

Wright declined the honor of full membership with the Royal Academy due to a perceived slight. He continued to contribute to exhibitions until 1794. Wright passed away on August 29, 1797, at his home in Derby. View more works by Joseph Wright of Derby on WahooArt.com: [https://WahooArt.com/@/Joseph-Wright-Of-Derby](https://WahooArt.com/@/Joseph-Wright-Of-Derby) Explore the Industrial Revolution's influence on art at Schackgalerie, Munich: [https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/A@D3BFFR](https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/A@D3BFFR) Discover more about night in paintings (Western art) on Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_in_paintings_(Western_art)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_in_paintings_(Western_art))