100. A Philosopher Giving a Lecture on the Orrery, Joseph Wright of Derby
Joseph Wright of Derby. c. 1763-1765 C.E. Derby, England. Oil on canvas
That responsibility falls on the paintings strong internal light source, the lamp that takes the role of the sun. Wright inserted strong light sources in otherwise dark compositions to create dramatic effect. Most of these earlier works were Christian subjects, and the light sources were often simple candles. Wright flips the script with his scientific subject matter. The gas lamp which acts as the sun pulls double duty in the painting. It illuminates the scene, allowing the viewer to clearly see the figures within, and it symbolizes the active enlightenment in which those figures are participating.
Location: England
Date: 1763-1765
Style: English taste for the natural
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Movement: Enlightenment
Form:
Painted by Joseph Wright of Derby
Medium is oil on canvas
The style is an English taste for the natural
Strong uses of color and lighting
Lighting and shadow used to promote realism and illuminate faces and expressions
Heavy contrast between general darkness of the painting and the light coming from the central orrery
Red coat of the one man suggests influence, as he is the lecturer
Function:
Showcase the scientific advancements of the Enlightenment, such as the orrery that is central in this painting
Also meant to illustrate the general feeling of curiosity and thirst for rational knowledge of the Enlightenment
The work also shows that women and children were getting involved in the movement, as they are also surrounding the orrery
Content:
Scientists, note-taker, and kids surrounding a central orrery
An orrery is a mechanical model of the solar system, depicting the orbits and relative relationships of the planets and sun
Each person depicted is meant to be a specific, real person, but we do not know who they are
The philosopher in red that is giving the lecture is believed to be modeled after Isaac Newton, yet another theory states that it is in fact a member of the Lunar Society of Birmingham
Strong internal light source representing the sun, also symbolizing the Enlightenment and the new search for reason and rational thinking
Painting also features women and children gathered around the orrery
This likely is meant to suggest that these groups were also being given these opportunities for rational learning and higher education
Context:
During the Enlightenment, and meant to showcase a moment that captures the discoveries and vibrant learning atmosphere of the era
The Enlightenment was a philosophical shift into a more secular, scientific way of thought. It deviated from the traditional and religious models on life and the universe that had been practiced during the Middle Ages.
Of course, scientists and inventors were essential to the Enlightenment; however, artists and writers were also important to spread Enlightenment ideas and inspire rational thinking
Joseph Wright of Derby actually became the unofficial artist of the Enlightenment
Lived all his life in Derby, England, and spent much time discussing and learning about science
Especially known for his usage of chiaroscuro
Themes:
Nature - planets, sun
Time - orbit, cycles
How do we understand the world?
Scale - large vs. miniscule
Location - sense of place
Technology
Cross-Cultural Connections:
Navigation chart
From the Marshall Islands of Micronesia in the 19th century, the navigation charts were made of wood and shells and were used to navigate the oceans and swells
Similar to A Philosopher Giving a Lecture on the Orrery because both illustrate advanced technology for the time and place. The orrery was a new device used to look at the orbits of planets, and the navigation charts were created and used for navigating the seas
School of Athens
1510 painting by Italian Renaissance artist Raphael depicts many of the philosophers of the Classical era
Similar to A Philosopher Giving a Lecture on the Orrery because provides a focus on the new, scientific, and logical way of thinking that both of these periods emphasized so strongly.
