The enigmatic paintings of Joseph Wright of Derby, a contemporary of the Lunar Society's scientific pioneers, offer a captivating glimpse into the interplay of science, darkness, and the supernatural. Wright's brushstrokes bring to life scenes that blur the lines between the rational and the eerie, as seen in his masterpiece, 'An Earthstopper on the Banks of the Derwent'. This painting, bathed in moonlight and lantern glow, depicts a man blocking a fox den, an act that, while seemingly mundane, takes on a sinister air. The artist's use of light and shadow transforms the scene into a mesmerizing spectacle, almost audible with the rustling of leaves and the rushing of water. Wright's talent lies in his ability to make the ordinary fantastically alive, as he effortlessly transitions from daytime landscapes to nocturnal mysteries.
Wright's exploration of darkness and illumination leads him to be hailed as the first gothic artist. This title is well-deserved, considering his paintings often delve into the horrors of the night, but with a scientific twist. In 'A Philosopher by Lamplight', Wright presents a chilling scene of an old man playing with a skeleton, attempting to decipher the mysteries of death. This painting reflects the growing influence of science in 18th-century Europe, challenging the traditional religious explanations of life and death. Wright's friend, Erasmus Darwin, a radical thinker, shared this scientific mindset, which would later inspire Mary Shelley's iconic novel.
In 'The Blacksmith's Shop', Wright masterfully combines scientific curiosity with religious symbolism. The blacksmith's workshop, set within a classical temple, mirrors Renaissance nativity scenes, symbolizing the transition from paganism to Christianity. Here, Wright hints at the birth of the modern material world from the remnants of Christianity, a thought-provoking interpretation.
Wright's 'A Philosopher Giving That Lecture on the Orrery in which a Lamp Is Put in Place of the Sun' showcases his fascination with the universe and the magic of science. The painting depicts a lecture on an orrery, a mechanical model of the solar system, captivating an audience of children and adults. The artist's use of scale adds depth to the scene, with the orrery appearing vast to the children but shrinking to a scientific toy in the presence of the lecturer and his notes.
However, Wright's true genius lies in his ability to shock and provoke. 'An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump' is a chilling portrayal of scientific experimentation, where a white cockatoo meets its fate in a glass chamber. The painting's focus shifts from wonder to dread, with the lecturer's actions causing one girl to hide her face in horror. Wright's use of light and shadow here is masterful, creating a hard-edged reality that mirrors the steam engines of the Lunar Society's members. The painting's audience, including local gentry, serves as a reminder that power, in the 18th century, was held by scientists, not the elite.
In conclusion, Joseph Wright of Derby's paintings offer a unique blend of scientific curiosity, gothic intrigue, and a profound understanding of the impact of science on society. His works continue to captivate audiences, inviting them to question the boundaries between the rational and the supernatural, and to appreciate the power of art in exploring the mysteries of the universe.
