{{ titlePrefix }} Joseph Wright of Derby
Joseph Wright of Derby (1734–1797) is one of the most significant and admired British artists of the eighteenth century. Prized by his contemporaries for the originality of his “candlelight” paintings, Wright was also a distinguished portraitist. Wright’s highly realistic style was well suited to this environment, and demand for his portraits led him to complete one, on average, every ten days. Wright’s success in Liverpool made him the first great British artist to establish a career largely outside London.