WRIGHT, Joseph
(b. 1734, Derby, d. 1797, Derby)

Iron Forge Viewed from Outside

1773
Oil on canvas, 105 x 140 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Wright was friendly with many notable English scientists, naturalists, and businessmen and became a sort of chronicler of the first stages of the industrial revolution that began in England during the Age of Enlightenment. The era's naturalistic creed - of science bearing the light of civilization - found near literal expression in this painting through the sharp contrast of light and shade.

This is the last of the five paintings of an iron forge which the artist painted between 1771 and 1773.