in respect to the Chiaroscuro technique…
Studying this artist specifically keeping in mind the Chiaroscuro effect used so dramatically by Wright has been quite a revelation because his paintings are so dramatic with a very distinctive style.
A Blacksmith’s Shop, 1771 by Joseph Wright of Derby, (1734-97); 125.7×99 cm; Derby Museum and Art Gallery, UK; English, out of copyright
Many of his paintings have one single source of light, most often that light is central to the scene, and he usually puts a collection of people surrounding the light.
The Alchymist, 1771 (oil on canvas) by Joseph Wright of Derby, (1734-97); 127×101.6 cm; Derby Museum and Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: in Search of the Philosopher’s Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and prays for the successful Conclusion of his operation, as was the custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers; alchimiste; cornue; agenouille;); English, out of copyright
They are usually normal people from the times, including women and children, often industrially related, but generally of the period.
‘The Orrery’. c.1766 (oil on canvas) by Joseph Wright of Derby, (1734-97); 147.3×203. cm; Derby Museum and Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: ‘A Philosopher giving a lecture on the Orrery, in which a lamp is put in the place of the Sun’; an Orrery is a mechanical model showing the movement of planets around the sun, named after Charles Boyle (1676-1731) Earl of Orrery, who supported the design of an early planetarium by the Quaker horologist and instrument maker, George Graham, between 1704 and 1709;); English, out of copyright
Only some of the people are usually directly interacting with the immediate subject, with some interacting only with each other or an unrelated matter.
The Chiaroscuro technique has been fully utilised, in fact exaggerated. With very little grey distinction between the light and dark areas, the technique is the artists main aid to his story telling and ensures we understand exactly what he’s trying to portray.
This artist must be considered a master of the Chiaroscuro technique, candle light played a huge part at the time of this artist and can produce dramatic lighting of course, however Rembrandt’s more subtle use of this technique seems more sensitive and therefore I would consider Joseph Wrights as a less superior artist to Rembrandt.
Sources: http://www.bridgemaneducation.com/ImageView.aspx?result=7&balid=72358 accessed 04/08/2012
OCA Painting 1 Learning Log 