Joseph Wright
Wright, Joseph
(also known as Joseph Wright of Derby). Born Sept. 3, 1734, in Derby; died there Aug. 29, 1797. English preromantic painter.
Wright studied in London in the 1750’s and traveled in Italy from 1773 to 1775. He worked primarily in Derby. Wright was a pioneer in the artistic treatment of themes dealing with the industrial revolution. He often depicted scientific experiments and people at work. Under the influence of the Dutch followers of Caravaggio, Wright created dramatic effects of illumination at night. His works include The Air Pump (1768, Tate Gallery, London) and The Blacksmith (1773, Hermitage, Leningrad).