Joseph Wright of Derby

Exploring the life and work of Joseph Wright of Derby, this study delves into the artist's darker themes, contrasting with his reputation as a "painter of light." Matthew Craske examines Wright's melancholic disposition and challenges the notion of him as a progressive figure of the English Enlightenment. Instead, he portrays Wright as a reflective outsider, deeply engaged with solitude, mortality, and the passage of time. The book offers new interpretations of Wright's masterpieces, highlighting his profound artistic vision and connection to the landscape.