WHAT? Wright of Derby: From the Shadows
WHERE? The National Gallery, Sunley Room, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
WHEN? Now until 10th May 2026
WHY GO? To meet the master of candlelight imagery. Let there be light, and there is, lots of it in the illuminating work of British artist Joseph Wright, the man credited as the first artist to portray the scientific optimism of the Industrial Revolution.
Born in Derby (hence the header) in 1734, Wright is renowned for capturing contrasting light and especially famed for figurative ensembles with a warm rosy glow, seemingly lit by candlelight. They are collectively known as the candlelight paintings.
This, the first major UK exhibition to focus on his distinctive paintings, coupled with the scientific instruments he poured over at great length, is steeped in atmosphere.
A member of the Lunar Society of Birmingham, Wright was a pioneer of Enlightenment and at the forefront of capturing the zeitgeist for scientific research.
This heady blend of the two will surely appeal to a nerdy mix of fans intrigued as to how he achieved such an effect which is akin nowadays to ‘light-box’ imagery. Wright has been compared to Caravaggio for his depiction of shadows and light, though some say his work is ‘gothic’ in mood. Judge for yourselves, are they cosy or are they a trifle sombre?
IN THE KNOW The contrasting light effect in artistic circles is known as chiaroscuro, light-dark in Italian. Wright, clearly inspired by earlier advocates like Caravaggio, mastered making his portraits glow, often by layering silver leaf under his paint and worked with the best engravers to produce mezzotints to reach a wider market to great acclaim.