Joseph Wright of Derby: An experiment of a bird in an air pump
This painting by Joseph of Derby is a fascinating display of how light works with its surroundings. When looking at this painting I believe that it feels dark and moody, the crowd is gathered together around the light source and they are illuminated by this light. The way in which the light has been used creates a stark contrast between the light and dark areas of the image, the light dramatically fades out towards the edges of the painting and encompasses those sections in darkness. I believe that this piece is interesting and curious, it depicts a science experiment being conducted and when looking closely, the expressions on each individual face are visible. I think that each expression brings a new feeling to the painting, from intrigued to bored. I believe that the young girl covering her eyes with an older man comforting her invokes an atmosphere of youth and naivety, like a daughter getting her father to scare the monsters away. I think that the light source acts as a focal point and it immediately draws the eye, the portrayal of light allows the painting to be bold and dramatic, the light is strong and bursts from the middle of the image. However, I think that there are eerie undertones throughout this image, the light seems to be swallowed by the darkness as it gets further towards the edges, resulting in a black void where anything could be lurking.
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