About Joseph Wright
American · 1756–1793
Painted the Industrial Revolution by candlelight: a dying bird in a vacuum, a philosopher's orrery, and the discovery of phosphorus. All from Derby.
Read full biography →Joseph Wright's works are held in 3 museums worldwide, including Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, University of Strathclyde, and Smithsonian American Art Museum.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
1 museum
- 1 works
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Also here
🇺🇸 United States
2 museums
- 3 works
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
- 1 works
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Old Patent Office Building, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Joseph Wright of derby live?
Joseph Wright was originally from Derby, but he moved to London in 1751. He worked primarily in London and Derby, but also spent several years in Bath, Liverpool, and Italy.Where was Joseph Wright from?
Joseph Wright was United States, born in 1756 and died in 1793.Who was Joseph Wright of derby?
Joseph Wright of Derby, originally from Derby, moved to London in 1751 to train with the rococo painter Thomas Hudson, who also taught Sir Joshua Reynolds. He primarily worked in London and Derby throughout the following years.Joseph Wright of derby art style?
While in Italy from 1773 to 1775, Joseph Wright witnessed an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The geological implications fascinated him and became the subject of several paintings, including Mount Vesuvius from Posillipo, which includes a dramatic use.
Sources
Where to See guide aggregates verified holdings of Joseph Wright's works across the following collections.
- [1] book Beard, Lee, 1973- author, Butler, Adam, author; Van Cleave, Claire, author; Fortenberry, Diane, author; Stirling, Susan, author, Beard, Lee, 1973- author, Butler, Adam, author; Van Cleave, Claire, author; Fortenberry, Diane, author; Stirling, Susan, author - The Art Book_ New Edition, Mini Format Used for: biography.
- [2] book Allison Lee Palmer, Historical Dictionary of Neoclassical Art and Architecture Used for: biography.
- [3] book Palmer, Allison Lee, Historical Dictionary of Neoclassical Art and Architecture Used for: biography.
Editorial overseen by Solis Prints. Sources verified 2026-05-15. Click a source for details, or hover over [N] in the page above to preview.
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