Wright of Derby: From the Shadows

 

Joseph Wright 'of Derby' is often seen as the Caravaggio 'of England' - he relishes the use of chiaroscuro to reveal scenes of subtle drama, learning and discovery. 

Living in the 18th Century - the period known as the Enlightenment - it is tempting to see his paintings as charting the increased understanding and knowledge of the world experienced by the protagonists of his work, whether they are discovering the importance of air for our survival, marvelling at the structure of the solar system, or enjoying the taut poise of a classical sculpture. However, the curators of this exhibition want to take us further, to see how his works explore more complex themes, "including death, melancholy, morality, scepticism and the sublime." 

We shall look at the paintings, prints and other works on paper to see if their theories, like so many of Wright's paintings, will teach us something new. And, whatever we think, the paintings themselves are superb, evocative, and intriguing!