Joseph Wright of Derby (artist)

Joseph Wright of Derby was an 18th-century English painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, often referred to as chiaroscuro. He captured the spirit of the Enlightenment through his portraits and genre scenes that depicted scientific discovery and the marvels of the natural world. Wright's notable works include "An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump" and "A Philosopher Giving a Lecture at the Orrery," which highlight the intersection of art and science. His style influenced Romantic and later artists, making him a significant figure in British art history.