i 
 
THE LIFE AND WORKS 
 
 O K 
 
 J O S E P H W R I G H T, A.R. A., 
 
 "WRIGHT OF DERBA'." 
 
P O R T RAIT OF JO S E P H W R I G H T. 
 
 On^iiiLil piclnrc in Ihc possession of the Hon. Mrs. Griffillis. 
 
 The Vignette of Joseph Wright on the Title Page is reproduced from the Original Picture 
 in the National Portrait Gallery. 
 
r H K 
 
 LIFE AND WORKS 
 
 Joseph Wright, a.r.a., 
 
 COMMONLY CALLED 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 B\' WILLIAM B K M ROSE, 
 
 MANUAL OF WOOD CAUVING, ETC. 
 
 WITH A PREFACE BY COSMO MONKHOUSE. 
 
 ll.LUSTHATF.D WITH TIVO ETCHINGS BY SIR. F. SEYMOUR H.IDEN. AMD OTHER J'LATES AND WOODCUTS. 
 
 1 0 n & 0 n : 
 
 li K M R O S E & SONS, 23, OLD B .-X 1 L E Y ; 
 AND DERBY. 
 iSSs. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 HE name of Joseph Wright, of Derby, once of high repute among 
 English Artists, has, during the last half-century and more, sunk, 
 altogether undeservedly, into a state of semi-oblivion. The Exhibition 
 at Derby in 1SS3 did, indeed, something to restore its fame, and it 
 is to be hoped that the present work may do yet more. Both 
 book and exhibition owe their existence mainly to the exertions 
 of Mr. Bemrose, who in this matter may be said to ha\-e been 
 moved by a triple love— the love of art, the love of family, and 
 the love of locality. By his kindness I am allowed here to aid 
 in doing justice to an artist of whom not only Derby, but England, should be proud. 
 
 Even if such a feat were possible, I should have no wish to compare accurately the merits 
 of W'right with those of his forerunners and contemporaries. It wall, however, be generally 
 acknowledged that between such names as Hogarth, Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Wilson, and 
 such as West, Northcote, Barry, and Hamilton, there is a gap — sensibly to be felt. In this 
 gap, but nearer to the greater than to the lesser men, a place has of late years been found 
 for Romney. It is but a modest claim for Wright that the same distinction should be accorded 
 to him. 
 
 As a painter, his method, in relation to that of Reynolds and Gainsborough, may be saiil 
 to have been old-fashioned. His pure, precise touches, his level surface, and clear enamelled 
 colours, have not, indeed, the variety of texture or the inspired freedom of a Franz Hals. His 
 practice was nearer to that of \'an der Heist, and a host of other illustrious artists to whom 
 clear, clean, work was dear. Through Kneller, and Hogarth, and Hudson, it came to him from 
 Holland ; and il he did not reform it, he mastered it, and left his mark upon it. As a colourist, 
 he was scarcely an innovator; but he was still less of a copyist. In this and most other 
 respects a "naturalist," he did not allow a preference for certain harmonies to dominate his 
 work; but though his colour missed the charm of inspiration, it never failed in harmony. He 
 
VI. 
 
 J'KJil'ACh. 
 
 had the colour sen.se, and a command of the whole scale. In his candle-light pieces the 
 prevailing hues were determined by his subject : but the way in which he united the blazing reds 
 and yellows of the central glare to the rich browns of his transparent shadows, warmed and 
 cooled these shadows with gleams of red coat and glimmers of blue sash and white dress, 
 and from the ruddy glow of the chamber to the cool night outside, led the eye, untired, 
 showed rare taste, as well as skill. If we take his portraits by ordinary light, we find the 
 same fine powder. The group of Mr. Newton's children, with its blue boy, its 
 olive-green boy, and its girl in white and gold, set off with rich green foliage and 
 clusters of ripe cherries, is a masterpiece of colour. In these day-light portraits, all the favourite 
 colours of the dress of the period are introduced and reconciled. The hues and textures of 
 the buff waistcoat, the " nankeen " breeches, the puce slip, the cinnamon coat, and the pink 
 shoes, are imitated with the same sure skill, the same artistic impartiality. Only in regard to 
 one colour do we fmd a decided preference, and this is neither the blue of Gainsborough nor 
 the red of Reynolds, but what may be called the green of Wright. Probably no other artist 
 has treated this colour with such variety. It tinges those bladders of which he was so fond ; 
 we find it lighdy in the stone-coloured coat of Mr. Cheslyn, and deeply in the arm of _ his 
 chair ; in pale cucumber the artist robed his pitiful " Maria" ; and from that fine picture of 
 himself in the National Portrait Gallery we learn that it was green that he elected to wear 
 in his youth when he wished to look particularly spruce. 
 
 Of his effects of artificial light there is the less need to speak, since what reputation he now 
 preserves is founded upon them. The engravings after Wright by Earlom, J. R. Smith, 
 Val. Green, Pether, and others, are still sought after, and the "Air-pump" is in the National 
 Galler\' for all who wish to see. It may, however, be doubted whether due recognition has, as 
 yet, been given to the largeness of design and the dignified simplicity of pose and gesture 
 which lend an almost classic style to such pictures as " The Orrery," " The Air-pump," and 
 "The Gladiator." The E.xhibition of 1SS3, while it confirmed the reputation of such pictures, 
 showed also that his rank as a portrait-painter was much higher than was supposed. In this 
 branch of art we find him submitting himself to his subject, and seeking rather to express 
 than to adorn it. He brings you, as few artists do, into the presence of his sitters. As if 
 alone and at ease, unconscious of observation, they, whether men, women, or children, are 
 all engaged with their own thoughts and employments, just as they might have been seen 
 any day in library or garden. Many men of celebrity, not only local, he painted — Arkwright 
 and Whitehurst, Darwin and Strutt ; but the charm of his portraits does not depend on the 
 fame of the sitter, but on the power of the artist to seize a distinct individuality, and to 
 make each likeness for ever interesting as an atithentic image of a fellow-inan. Unsophisticated 
 by fashion or affectation, Wright's portraits are history in its simplest and truest form. 
 
 Of the pure charm of his children, .some of the illustrations to this volume, especially 
 Mr. Seymour Haden's painter-like etching of the "Twins," will speak. Sir Joshua painted 
 children with more spirit and with a livelier eye for fleeting charms of expression ; but no 
 artist has painted them more freshly and truly than Wright. Another admirably suggestive 
 
PREFACE. VII. 
 
 etching by Mr. Hiulcn shows us the elegance of mien and grace of sentiment which he 
 could infuse into his more poetical designs. His versatilit)' was remarkable ; but his culture, 
 partly, perhaps, on account of his secluded life, pardy from his ill-health, left many of his 
 faculties undeveloped, and his imagination was crossed by a vein of ingenuity which made 
 him delight rather in resolving problems than in indulging fancy. Ne\'ertheless, the "Minstre!" 
 and the "iVlaria" are as good reflections a.s e.\ist of that somewhat thin but elegant strain of 
 poetic sentiment which was in vogue in his day. He has in these pictures preserved its 
 gentleness and grace without its falseness. A deeper note of pathos (and pathos unstrained) 
 is touched in the once famous "Dead Soldier." In his "Death and the Woodman" we 
 
 find extreme terror dejiicted with all the force of the most modern realist ; and if he did not 
 
 (who did ?)— prove himself equal to the interpretation of Shakespeare, there is in Bovdell's Gallery 
 no finer head than that of his " Prospero." 
 
 It will seem strange to many that Wright should in his day have ranked even higher as 
 a landscape painter than as a painter of men, but his fireworks and conflagration effects were 
 a novelty, and were e.xecuted with a skill which must have then seemed astonishing. Now, 
 perhaps, even if they were done with the superior genius of a Turner, we should not care 
 overmuch for them. His more ordinary scenes from nature were sometimes almost as good 
 as Wilson's, but generally wanted the warmth and the air of that fine artist, and his 
 composition was apt to be too pal]3ably ingenious. 
 
 Nevertheless, all abatement made, he was an original and able landscape painter, and 
 when we add this to his other claims, and remember how thoroughly sincere his art was, how 
 distinct his personality, it seems hard that the latest History of English Art should not even 
 mention his name. True, it was written by a foreigner; and it is probable that if M. Chesncau 
 had visited Derby two jears ago he would have awarded Wright an honourable place among 
 those artists whom he calls the Old Masters of England. 
 
 COSMO MONKHOUSE. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Thk Family of Wright _ . - . 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 
 Early Life.^Mf.chanical Pursuits.— Aspirations after Art.— Love of Music and Society. 
 — Studies under Hudson. — Returns to Derby. — Again Studies under Hudson 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 
 Candle-Ligiit Subject.s.— " The Gladi,\tor" Picture.— Commences to Paint Landscapes in 
 
 1772.— Llst of Pictures Exiiirited at the Society of Artists' Rooms.— List of 
 
 Pictures Exhibited at the Royal Academy.— Wright Holds a.n Exhibition in 
 
 17S5, of his Own Works, in London.- His Generosity in Giving Pictures to 
 
 his Friends.— Is a Pioneer in Water-Colour Painting - - - . . 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Wright Marries and Visits Italy. — Letters. — Extracts from Diary.— Birth of his 
 Daugh tfr, Anna Romana, in Rome. — Influence of the Old Masters - - - 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Bishop and the Painter.— Settles at Bath.— Letter to his Slster " Nancy."— Prices 
 .OF Portraits.— Wright's Method ok M.aking up his Palette.— Returns to Derby- 
 Lodges wmi THE Eleys. — Removes to St. Helen's. —Wilson and Wright.— 
 Anecdotes - 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Wright's Secession from the Royal Academy-.— J. L. Philii's.- The Messrs. Redgrave's 
 Criticisms on the Secession and upon Wright's Works.— Hayley's Poem.— Anthony 
 Pasquin.— Letters from Wright to J. L. Philips.— The "Air-Pump" Picture 
 
X. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. 
 
 PACK 
 
 Mention of some Important Fictukes,-The Custom House Authorities and ' The Captive" 
 PiCTURE.~TiiE "Dead Soldier" and Heath the Engravkk.-" Destruction of the 
 Floating Batteries off Gibraltar."-" The Orrekv."-Eakl Ferrers as a Patron.- 
 Mortimer.-Peter Pini)ar.-Dr. Darwin. -Akna Seward.-Wedgwood.-Bentley.- 
 
 »TlIE AlCHVMIST" PiCTURE.-IlAVIEV THE POET.— THOS. A. HaVLEV THE SCULPTOR - 69 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Correspondence ok Wright with Mr. Dauebv and Mr. J. L. Piiii ips.-Tiie Shakespeare 
 
 Gallery Pictures. — Dispute About Prices . - . - - - - S5 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Death of Mrs. V\'rigiit.— He Removes 10 Queen Street, Derby— His Last Illness and 
 De.\th.— Mr. J. Leigh Philips on the Character of Wuight.-Sale of his 
 Pictures in London and Derby — Letters from J. IIoi.lanu and Rev. Thos. 
 
 GlSHORNE 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 LIST OF PLATES. 
 
 Portrait of Joseph Wright. Reproduced hy Messrs. A. & ]V. Damsoiis PosUive Etching process FRONTISPIECE 
 
 TO FACE PACF: 
 
 ^■The Twtns." Ann Haden, afterwards Mrs. BooTi and Sakah H.aden, afterwards Mrs. 
 
 James Oakes, of the Riddings, Derbyshire.— ^fr/Krf by Mr. F. Seymour Haden - - 12 
 
 " Maria."— /•^ro;« Sterne s "Sentimental Journey:' Reproduced liy Messrs. A. Sr IF. Da;osoH's Positive 
 Etching process 
 
 Conversation Piece. Three ChiluueiN of Richard Arkwright, Eliz.abeth (afterwards 
 MARRIED TO FRANCIS HuuT), JOHN, AND JOSEPH. Reproduced liy Messrs. A. & IV. Damon's 
 Positive Etching process --------- 
 
 26 
 
 56 
 
 Joseph and H,u4Riet, Two of Wright's Chiliirfn ------ 
 
 "Edwin." Mr. Thomas Haden, of Derby, sat for this Picture.- /^raw/ Dr. Beatties "Minstrel." 
 
 Etclied by Mr. F. Seymour Haden --------- 6S 
 
 Conversation Piece. Three Children, Richard, Robert, and Peter (Sons of Richard 
 
 Arkwright). Reproduced by Messrs. A. & IL. Daws.vis Positive Etching process - - 84 
 
1 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The F a m ! I. \- o f W k i g n t 
 
 OSKPH WRIGHT, like his lamous contemporaries, Reynolds and 
 Wilson, belonged to the great middle-class, as may be seen from 
 the pedigree appended to this chapter. Wright could reckon 
 amongst his progenitors men of some consideration in the three 
 professions of Law. Physic, and Divinity. The family appears to 
 ha\e settled at Seighford, Co. Stafford, in 1662, ami from thence 
 to ha^■e migrated, about the year 1673, to Longford in Derbyshire. 
 The earliest ancestor of Wright whom I have been able to trace 
 is the great-grandfather of the painter, and I am indebted to the 
 Rev. J. Charles Co.-c, LL.D.. the present Rector of Enville, .Stourbridge, for the following 
 interesting information respecting him. 
 
 On February 17th, 1662, in the Rectory House of S. Andrew, Holborn, Bishop Hacket 
 (of Coventry and Lichfield) instituted " Johannes Wright, clericus," into the vicarage of Seigh- 
 ford, Staff, vacant through death of last incumbent, on presentation of the King," 
 
 On the 5th ol the same month, at an ordination held in the Parish Church of S. Andrew, 
 Holborn, by the same Bishop Hacket, Johes Wright, e Colleg, Dublin, in Regno Hibcria;," 
 was ordained priest. 
 
 On September 12th, 1671, Bishop Wood instituted Jno, Nash to the vicarage of Seighford, 
 on the resignation of John Wright. 
 
 On leaving Seighford, the Rev. John Wright became Rector of Longford, Co. Derby, where 
 he died in i6Si. His death is thus recorded in the Parish Register, " 16S1. John Wright, 
 rector of Longford, an orthodo.x and worthy .son. Buried January loth." 
 
 Epi.scopal Registers of the Sec of Lichfielil. 
 
2 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY ^ 
 
 This exemplary clers^yman left a widow and eight children. The maiden name of the 
 former I have not been able to discover, but her Christian name was Elizabeth, and those of 
 his surviving children (he had lost one, Sarah, during her childhood) are written on the back 
 of the inventory of his goods, thus — 
 
 Richard. Jonathan. Mary. 
 
 John. Matthewe. Bridget. 
 
 Thomas. Elizabeth. 
 Letters of Administration were taken out on the 2Sth June, 16S2, and some of the items of 
 the inventory are so interesting as to be worth transcribing. It is to be remarked, u\ the 
 first place, that his goods were valued at the low total sum of ^205, and that the largest item 
 was for " corne, \vheat, pease, and oates, from which, and from other entries, it may be 
 
 inferred that he farmed his own glebe. Among the latter may be quoted— 
 
 Hay - - - - ----- ----- 8 
 
 2 marcs, i nagg - iboo 
 
 2 heifers, 4 calves, 6 cuws in calf, 3 bullocks 27 13 ,4 
 
 19 sheep and 4 swine --- ----- 6>94 
 
 Of the modest establishment and simple habits of this country parson of the 17th century this 
 document affords evidence. His "plate" was estimated at £-i only, and the same sum was 
 considered sufficient to represent the value of his " purse and apparell," while the worth of the 
 whole furniture of his "parlour," consisting of "15 chairs, 2 tables, I carpet," is set 
 down at £},. That he was studious, as well as simple, is attested by the comparatively large 
 valuation of the contents of his " studdy." These were "one desk and lock, and shelves and 
 books," which were assessed at /30 4s.— a sum exceeding the supposed equivalent in money 
 of the entire furniture of the Rectory. This assertion I must ask my readers to take upon 
 trust, as the inventory of the contents of the kitchen, dairy, brewhouse, and five upper cham- 
 bers is scarcely of sufficient interest to print in cxtciiso. 
 
 Of the nine children of the Rev. John Wright, of Seighford and Longford, some informa- 
 tion is given in the pedigree ; but here we need concern ourselves only with his sons, Richard 
 and John, from whom sprang two distinct branches of the ftunil)-. It is from John that the 
 subject of our biography is descended, but Richard claims precedence by right of seniority. 
 
 Of this eldest son, Richard, little is known, except that he was born at Loaden Hall, 
 (or Leadenhall), Pentridge, Stafford.shire, in 1662, and that he was the father of Richard 
 Wright, M.D., of Derby. This, the second Richard of this branch, was born in 1702, and was 
 twice married— firstly, to Dorothy Cell, of Wirksvvorth, who died childless ; and, secondly, to 
 Frances Wilcockson, of the same place, by whom he had issue one son and two daughters. 
 One of the daughters, Elizabeth, died unmarried in 1766, and INIary, the other, became the 
 wife of Captain John Wilson, R.N., of Tamworth, and died in 1805. The son was named 
 Richard, after his father, and followed the same profession. The third Richard in this branch 
 was, like Joseph Wright the painter, the great grandson of the Rector of Longford, and must 
 not be confounded with another Dr. Richard Wright, his second cousin, and brother of the 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 3 
 
 artist. For the sake of distinction lie may be called Dr. Richard Wright of London, where 
 he settled and became distinguished. He wa.s one of the physicians to S. George's Hospital, 
 and being a man of high scientific attainments, and a scholar of some eminence, he was 
 elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He married Caroline, only surviving daughter of Sir 
 James Gray, by whom lie had no issue. He collected one of the first Libraries of his time, 
 which, after his death, was sold by Messrs. T. and J. Egerton, on Monday, April 23rd, 17S7, 
 and eleven following days. This Library (which numbered 2,824 lots at the sale) consisted of 
 an elegant and extensive collection of books in every branch of learning ; it was particularly 
 rich in works on History, Physic, Criticism, and Divinity, and in Greek and Latin Classics. 
 It also included many of the scarcest editions of the old English Poets, novels, and romances, 
 and a remarkably singular assemblage of Theatrical literature, including the rarest productions 
 of the English drama. The dramatic works occupied two da)-s of the sale, and amongst other 
 rarities were copies of the first, second, third, and fourth editions of Shakespeare's works. 
 The catalogue, a demy 8vo. of 102 pp., forms a good text book for the book buyer of to-daj-. 
 Dr. Wright died at his house, in Charles Street, Grosvenor Square, London, on Saturday the 
 14th day of October, 1786. His remains were brought to Derby, and interred in the family 
 vault at S. Michael's Church. 
 
 It is now time to turn to the younger branch of the family to which our artist belonged. 
 
 John, the second son of the Vicar of Seighford, and Rector of Longford, was born at the 
 former place in the year 1664. He became an attorney, and established a reputation for 
 integrity which descended to his son. There is still in the posse.ssion of the family a letter, 
 addressed to him by "the great Lord Chesterfield," dated April 13, 1704, in which his Lord- 
 ship says, " I am much satisfied to find that Mr. Thacker and my daughter Wotton have 
 employed in their affairs a character from whom everybody may expect fair dealing." 
 
 He married Anne Daykene in 1649. and had issue Jane, John, and Elizabeth. John, the 
 second, w-as born Jan. 16, 1697, and, like his father, became an attorney of good repute. From 
 his upright conduct upon all occasions, he was known by the flattering name of " Equity 
 Wright." It is said that when applied to respecting any case which he thought only required 
 explanation, it was his wont to reconcile the parties as a friend, without making fee or charge. 
 An attorney of Derby, speaking of "Equity Wright," some years after his death, said, "he 
 might have died very rich, had he acted like the generality of his profession." There can be 
 no doubt that he was a thoroughly good lawyer, for on more than one occasion, when he 
 waited on the celebrated Sir E:ardley Wilniot, of Osniaston, for an opinion. Sir Eardley said 
 to him, "You are come to throw away a guinea with me, Mr. Wright, for you know the law 
 as well as I do." He filled the office of Town Clerk of Derby, from 1756 to 1765. 
 
 The sisters of "Equity Wright" died unmarried, but he, on September 26, 1728, took to 
 wife a lady named Hannah Brookes, by whom he had issue three sons and two daughters. 
 John, the eldest, and third of this name, was born August 29, 1729, and. like his father and 
 grandfather, became an attorney. He died March 22, 179S. Richard Wright, M.D., the second 
 son, already mentioned in the account of the elder branch of the family, was born November 17, 
 
4 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 1730, ;uul attained some eminence as a Physician in his native town, Derby. An old MS. has 
 the following; lines relating to this Richard — 
 
 " Cease, wonders, cease, from this or that. 
 Since t^r. Wright has changed his hat ; 
 Corners three and wig profound. 
 He now salutes his friends all round." 
 
 He married Sarah Wallis, of Derby, by whom he had two dttughters, Hannah ttnd Anne. 
 The latter married James Holworthy, an eminent tirtist, a memljer of the old Society of Painters 
 
 in Colours, and an intimate friend of the late J. M. W. Ttirner, R.A. Mr. Holworthy 
 purchased the Brookfield Estate near Hathersage, and built Brookfield House. Hannah died 
 Altty 13, 1867, tmmarried. 
 
 Joseph, the third son of "Equity Wright," is the subject of this biography. His sisters. 
 Hannah, the third child, and Anne Elizabeth, or " Nancy," the youngest of the lamily, died 
 unmarried in the yeai-s iSlo and 1815, respectively. 
 
 Jrjseph Wright, the painter, commonly called Wright of Derby, to distingtiish him IVom 
 
WRIGHT OF DERllY. 
 
 5 
 
 another painter of the same surname,* was born at Derby on the 3rd of September. 1714, 
 in the house No. 2S, Irongate, and was educated at the Grammar School of that town, under 
 the Rev. Mr. Ahnond. 
 
 Perhaps the ordinary affi.x to \\'right's name has to some extent interfered with liis 
 reputation, luit the localisation of his fame is also due to the fact that a great number of his 
 paintings have always remained in his native county, and in the possession of the families for 
 which they were painted. 
 
 He was truly "Wright of Derby." For there he was Ijorn and educated, and with the 
 exception of three and a half years under Hudson, in London, two years in Italy, and a similar 
 period at Bath, we find him located at Derby througliout his life. He was. however, well 
 patronised— perhaps, with the exception of Sir Joshua Reynolds, as much so as any of his 
 contemporaries, lor seldom, if ever, did a painting of his go into the hands of a dealer, or 
 remain unsold. Respected and honoured by his townsmen, and enjoying the close intimacy and 
 friendship of men eminent by their position and distinguished by their talents in literature and 
 art, he passed his days in the midst of those he loved, industriously labouring at his profession, 
 although at times suffering from long periods of nervous depression until his death in 1797, 
 
 Wright's friend and pupil, Mr. Jno. Moss Tate, of Liverpool, told a gentleman who called 
 upon him early in this century to see some paintings by Wright in his possession, that "he 
 was always pleased to see a Derbj-shire man, for that county had produced three most eminent 
 men in the sister arts — Chantrey, the sculptor, Wright, the painter, and |ohn Harrison, the 
 singer." 
 
 It is seldom that a better opportunity is found of obtaining a clear insiglit into the 
 working and every-day life of an artist, than that afforded bj- the material collected for the 
 present volume. This consists principally of letters written, and memoranda made, long years ago, 
 and numerous notes by the artist himself Most of the last are contained in a book in which 
 he carefulh' recorded the pictures he painted, the prices he obtained for them, and the namc-s 
 of his patrons ; in it he was also wont to jot down memoranda (now full of interest) relating 
 to his family and private concerns. Personal and other relics, religiously preserved by relatives, 
 and handed down to the present day, have also assisted in bringing before the writer a vivid 
 picture of the man and his doings. 
 
 * Itich.ard Wright wa.^ a marine painter of Liverpool, born 1735, (iieil 1775, who jiaiiiteii "The Fishery," which was, engraved hy Wollett. 
 
6 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Early Life. — Mechanical Pursuits— Aspirations after Art.— Love of 
 Music and Society.— Studies under Hudson.— Returns to Derby.- Again 
 Studif.s under Hudson. 
 
 lOUNG WRIGHT early manifested a taste for mechanics. His 
 1-jrotlier, Richard, writing to a friend some years afterwards, thus 
 alludes to his leisure employments. "At an early time in life he 
 showed great propensity to knowledge in several mechanical 
 branches ; and being of an active mind, would frequently spend his 
 vacant time from school in going to different shops to see the 
 men work. When he returned home he would imitate their works, 
 and compleat them in a masterly manner, such as joiner's goods, 
 chests of drawers, clocks, spinning wheels, guns, etc. His genius 
 afterwards turned to drawing and painting ; if he saw a person once he would draw the out- 
 lines of his face so strong as to be known at sight ; making great progress in those branches, 
 he was determined to pursue those studies for his profession ; accordingly his father, an 
 Attorney at Law, enquired of his agents in London, who were the most eminent masters, and 
 upon enquiry he was recommended to Mr. Hudson.' 
 
 Having seen a "raree show" at a fair, he considered attentively upon what principle it 
 could be formed, and having discovered the manner of placing the glasses, completed ii show 
 about three feet high ; having done this, Wright went to the showman and told him he had 
 made a show like his. The man would not at first believe him, but upon enquiring how he 
 had made it, and finding it was quite correct, he earnestly begged that the boy would not tell 
 any one by what means he had effected it. This show, exhibiting some Italian views, was 
 afterwards the delight of his children and nieces. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 7 
 
 When the Scotch army, under Prince Charles Edward, came to Derby, in December, 1745, 
 the elder Mr. Wright, father of the painter, took his wife, two daughters, and Joe, as he was 
 generally called, to Repton, thinking that the rebels could not cross the Trent, as there was no 
 bridge there at that time. During the preceding July his two eldest .sons, John and Richard, 
 had been placed at Repton School, under the Rev. Mr. Ashley. Much to the surprise of 
 the Wrights, three officers and forty men were quartered in their house at Derby. During the 
 soldiers' stay they saw a small gun, with which they were so much struck as to make 
 enquiries respecting it, and upon being told that it was made by Master Joseph, "they wished 
 they could see the little gentleman, they would take him with them, for they were sure he 
 must be an ingenious boy to make that gun." 
 
 At Repton, young Wright saw a "Christmas-Piece" which belonged to one of the boys. 
 For a long time this piece so engrossed his mind that he could think of nothing else, and he 
 dwelt upon it until he determined to try to draw. Thus at eleven j-ears of age he took to 
 art, and gradually left off his mechanical pursuits. This love for mechanics showed itself later 
 in life, by the introduction of an air-pump and an orrery into two of his principal pictures. He 
 likewise invented a pair of proportional compasses. These were made of two strips of wood, 
 with an opening down the middle of each, placed upon each other and united by a screw, 
 which, moving up and down, fi.xed the ponit of the compasses at any place that was desired. 
 By this instrument Wright was enabled to accurately enlarge or diminish any drawin<j. 
 
 His father being averse to his devoting so much time to drawing, thinking it would never 
 be of use to him, and might withdraw his attention from more necessary pursuits, young 
 Wright used to draw, unknown to his friends, in an attic, where ho spent much of his spare 
 time. Having nothing from which to study, he copied the public-house signs in the town, 
 which at that time e.xhibited more "pictures" than at the present day, and it is related of him, 
 that when he had completed his copy of the sign of " Robin Hood and Little John," near his 
 father's residence, he was highly delighted, as he was likewise when he had finished the " Buck 
 in the Park." The "Buck in the Park "—a sign by which an inn in the town is still known 
 at the present day— means the arms of the Borough of Derby, which are azure, a buck couchant, 
 enclosed in park-palings, all proper. His method was, after looking long and earnestly at the 
 sign, to go home and draw as much as he could remember of it. When at a loss, he returned 
 and examined the sign, and then ran back as rapidly as possible, so that he might not lose 
 the impression produced on his mind, and thus he continued until the drawing was finished. 
 His mother, noticing his conduct, and wishing to know why he .spent so much time in the 
 attic spoken of, entered it and discovered his emplo\-ment. The boy-artist earnestly begged that 
 she would not tell his father, and this request, fortunately for the world, was granted. His 
 predilection for art is well illustrated by a life-size head of Counsellor Noel, in my possession, 
 drawn upon blue paper in black and white crayons: on the back, in Wright's handwriting, 
 "Jos Wright, fecit September 3rd, 1751, zEtat 17. Counsellor Noell. The head being unfinished 
 I was obliged to leave it so." There is little doubt he was in the habit of attending the 
 Courts of Assize with his father, who was engaged there professionally, and had amused himself 
 by sketching the counsellor in his wig, but from some cause had not time to finish it. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 The sketches of liis early boyhood show considerable skill and power in light and shade, 
 and the treatment of drapery, and are thus prophetic of that command of chuxr-oscuro which 
 distinguished the pictures of his maturity. 
 
 His delight in strong lights and shadows was NT:ry conspicuous throughout his life. He 
 could never pass a blacksmiths shop, or any striking lights in the streets, without staying to 
 study them ; and the inlluence of this early passion of his is seen in a large number of his 
 paintings, where remarkable fire, candledight, and atmospheric effects arc rendered with singular 
 power and truth. 
 
 At length his father, finding his decided turn for painting, determined upon placing him 
 with the most eminent artist of the time; and in 1751, when Joseph was seventeen years of age, 
 he. afier careful enquiry amongst his friends in London, placed him with llt.dson,* the portrait 
 ,:,ainter, with whom he remained as a student for t«o years. W^dght, however, appears to have 
 soon become dissatisfied with the subjects which Hudson gave him to copy, which, if we may- 
 judge from the studies of this period still existing.-stifi; formal portraits in black and white 
 chalk upon blue paper-was not to be wondered at ; aiiiongst thenr is a spirited resemblance of 
 himself, and it is thought probable that the artist, tired of such copying, amused himself by 
 StiKlying; from nature. 
 
 Young Wright, like most young m™, was fond of a frolic, but the effect of a practical joke 
 which he played at Hudson's effectually cured him of these mischie^■ous propensities. It appears 
 that the lay-figure at Hudson's was upon low wheels, and having tied a piece of string to it, 
 ^^■l,ich he con'veyed under the door, Wright, the ne.xt morning, whilst the servant-maid was 
 cleaning the grate, stationed hi.nself at the door, which was a little open, to amuse himself with 
 her surprise Tl seeing it move. Having waited his opportunity, he gently pulled the string, and 
 whe.i the girl turned to look, suddenly stopped. She took no further iiotice of it until he 
 d,-ew it itrore decidedly steadily forward. She the.r earnestly watched its progress, and at last, 
 being coin-i.-iced that it was .iioving, th.-ew down her brush a,rd rtished out of the rooiii, turd 
 would, in her fright, have precipitated herself o^■er the rails of the stairs, if he had not caught 
 I,,,-, He was so much alarmed when he saw how greatly she was agitated, and thought what 
 would haN^e been tlte probable conseqtience of such a fall, that he determined never again 
 to indul<.e i,r practical jokes, a resolution which he seems never to ha^■e forgotten. This 
 circumsta°,ce .r^ade such an hrrpression ri,.o,r his nrhr.l, that he could not hear with patience of 
 any atteiiipt to frighten people, as " there was no knowing to what consecpiences ,t iiiight lead.' 
 
 Upon the expiration of the period for which he had been placed with Hudson, W^right, at 
 the ao-e of nineteen, returned to Derby, and soon afterwards painted the portraits of his father 
 and ,™ther, his two sisters, his brother, and hi.rrself These were probabl>- the first portraits 
 he paiitted, tts, when they sat to hint, he had onb-it ittust be ren,end,ered-been two years 
 at his profession. At this time he also painted the portraits of many of his friend s, and o f 
 
 . Si,T,lu,a Reynold, .nd M.«in,e, w.,. nl» pn,,il., n„de, llud»„, who. Lord Orford tells >.s, ple»»d .he conn.ry ge„Uen», " wi.h 1,„ 
 hone.. .n,ill,„de.s L .led wi,s, Une velve. =o.«, nnd «hhe »■■„ wni«coa,. which he hes.owed hbcrnil, on h. cns,o„,e,s. Hudson, h„„- 
 ever, Ihougli an ,\riist of lUlle imoginalion, wa» a lound painlcr and probahly a good master. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 9 
 
 members of the principal families in the neighbourhood. Being, however, dissatisfied with his 
 progress, he returned to London, in 1756, to study under Hudson for the second time, and 
 remained with him for fifteen months, often lamenting during that period that he could not 
 obtain better instruction, there being no master of eminence in England at that time. 
 
 Painting was not Wright's only pursuit. He was a real lover of music, and was considered 
 by those able to judge to be a first-rate amateur performer upon the Hute, which he was 
 taught by Tacet. Mr. Denby,* the organist at AH Saints' Church, at this time had weekly 
 concerts at his house, at which Wright played the flute, Eurdett (who published a Map of 
 Derbyshire in 1767) the violoncello, the Rev. Mr. Hope "thorough bass on the harpsichord," and 
 the Rev. Mr. Blackwall and Mr. Charles Denby first and second violins. These were cheer- 
 ful evenings, and Wright took a prominent part in the mirth, for, though naturally shy and 
 retiring, he was of a social and lively disposition. He is said to have been the life of the 
 party. He also attended the balls and assemblies f in Derby, Newark, Chesterfield, and other 
 places, and from his handsome person and pleasant manners was a general favourite. An old 
 inhabitant of Derb)', Mr. Haden, used to relate that Wright once asked him whether he should 
 teach him to draw, or to play on the flute, and that he foolishly chose the latter. Wright, 
 he said, was a \ery pleasant master, who held the agreeable theory that Madeira was the 
 best medicine for the flute, and never gave him a lesson without ordering in a bottle of it. 
 Mrs. Cade (Wright's daughter) has related that he used to play upon the flute in the evening, 
 after he had prepared his palette for the next day ; and that the Rev. Thomas Gisborne (who 
 then resided in St. Helen's House, at the top of Bridge Gate, and afterwards at Yoxall 
 Lodge, Needwood Forest) was in the habit of drawing with him in the morning, and playing 
 upon the flute with him in the evening. She also recollected going with him to Darley Grove, 
 adjoining St. Helen's, where he delighted to hear the echoes to his flute. 
 
 After Wright's death, there was found a large box containing music for the flute, written 
 very neatly by himself, which at last came to the ignominious fate of being used by the 
 servants for lighting the fires. 
 
 "Denby published several music books, a collection of hymn tunes, sonatinns and rondas for ihe harpsichorci, 
 f We here transcribe the Rules of the Derby Assembly of about this period ; they are interesting nnd curious — 
 
 RULES 
 
 To 1!E OIISERVED IN THE LaDIEs' AsSEMfiLY IN DERBY. 
 
 1. — No Attorney's Clerlt shall be admitted. 
 
 2. — No Shopkeeper, or any of his or her Family shall be admitted, except Mr. Franceys. 
 
 3. — No Lady shall be allowed to Dance in a long white Apron. 
 
 4. — All young Ladies in Manluas shall pay 2S. 6d. 
 
 5. — Nil Miss in a Coat shall Dance without Leave of the Laily of the Assembly. 
 
 6. — Whosoever shall transgress any of these Rules, shall be turned out of the Assembly Room. 
 
 Several of the above-mentioned /■!iilcs having of late been broke through, they ace now Printed by our order, and signed by Us, the present 
 Ladies and Governors of the Assembly. 
 
 ANNE BARNES. 
 DOKO'IHY EVERY. 
 ELISABETH EYRE. 
 BRIDGET BAILEY. 
 R. FITZHERBERT. 
 HESTER MUNDV. 
 
 3 
 
lO 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 An early- memorandum of Wright s states : — " My Father paid Sandys the colourman lor 
 me Mch 1759, ^15. 17. o. In March 1762 paid ditto £20. 14. o. Lent me a guinea to 
 send W"- Paid for cloth for shirts when I was in London £j,. 4. o. For a German Flute 
 ^3- 3- o," 
 
 Having soon attained some local celebrity, Wright was allowed a room at the Town Hall 
 when he wished to exhibit his pictures, and could not show them to advantage at his father's. 
 It was in this room that he painted the portraits of the members of the Derby Hunt, which 
 now hang in Markeaton Hall, where they were placed by Francis Noel Clarke Mundy, the 
 poet. This gentleman, from an elegy written by him in 1765, appears to have been "The 
 life, the leader of the hunter train," and in Wright's MS. book occurs the following memorandum 
 in connection with a portrait of one of the Mundy family : " The letter in Mr. Mundy 's picture 
 to be dated from Amberley, in Sussex. It must conclude with 'your friend Harry Deckham,' 
 not Henry. The case upon the letter table, directed to Francis Mundy, Esq., at Markeaton, 
 near Derby." Amongst the portraits known to have been exhibited at the Town Hall may be 
 mentioned that of "Old John," head waiter at the King's Head Inn, which was raffled for 
 ten guineas, and won by Danl. Parker Coke, Esq. This picture, which represent,s "Old 
 John," with roses in the button-hole of his coat, and a smiling and intelligent face under his 
 wig, is now in the possession of Lord Belpcr. Another local character similarly distinguished, 
 was Thomas Oliver, beadle at All Saints' Church, whose attentive attitude, whilst Mr. Winter 
 or his curate, Mr. Flope, preached, had caught the artist's eye. The interest thus excited led 
 the artist to obtain a sitting from the beadle, and the picture which resulted was exhibited at 
 the 'Pown Hall. Wright made a crayon drawing of this portrait, and ga\'e it to Mr. Denby. 
 
"THE TWINS." 
 Etched bv Mr. F. Seymour H.\uen. 
 Ann Haden, ai-merwards Mrs. Boot: and Sarah Haden, afterwards Mrs. Ja.mes Oakes, 
 
 OF THE RiDDlNGS, DeRRYSHIRE. 
 On^tml fidure in Ihf posscisioii of Mr. Jaim'f OitWs. 
 
 TiK Plate of " Tht Twim " was espcd.illy Mud for this work, and Jireseiiled 
 to III! Aiillwr iv Mr. F. Seymour Haden. 
 

 
1 1 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Candlk- Light Subjects. — " The Gladiator " Picture. — Commence.s to 
 Paint Landscapes in 1772. — List oe Pictures HxHii:rri-:D at the Society oe 
 Artists' Rooms. — List of Pictures Exhibited at the R(.")val Academy. — 
 Wright holds an Lxhibition in 1785, oe his Own Works, in London. — 
 Wrkhit's Generosit\' in Giving Pictures to his Friends. — Wright, a Pioneer 
 I X Water-Colo u r Pa 1 x t i n ( ; . 
 
 T is interesting to note in the life of an artist who showed such 
 varied talents, at what periods he entered on the different walks of 
 art, which he trod with such sticccss. We know that Wriglit 
 painted portraits only whilst imder Hudson's tuition ; and c\'en tor 
 several years after his second period of study under that master, 
 which was during the year 1756, he seems to have attempted 
 nothing else. We are also able to all but fix the dates of many of 
 his early candle-light and historical subjects, because they were 
 exhibiLed at the rooms of the Society of Artists.* The first of these 
 appeared in 1765, and was called "Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator -i" by Candle-light." 
 In the same way we can fix approximately the date of his first landscape as 1772. 
 
 From such records we may also conclude with some certainty that it was Wright's own innate 
 genius that impelled him to study those effects of artificial light with which his name is so 
 strongly associated, for hitherto no English painter had attempted them, and he did not leave 
 England till 1773. 
 
 • The first E>;hil)ition was held in April, 1760. The C:UaIogiie of 1761 has two satirical subjects after Hogarth, and that fur 1762 has a prefiict 
 from the pen of Dr. Juhnsoi:. There were no Exhibitions in 1779, Si, and S2, nor were there any between 17S3 and" 1790. The kst was in 1791. 
 t The sitters in this pictunj wt.Te old John Wilson, an inmate of the Devonshire almshouses, Mr. Burdett, and the artUt himself. 
 
12 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 His visit to Italy, in 1774-5, where he saw a grand Eruption of Vesuvius, merely turned 
 his natural predilection for strange effects of light into a new channel. This eruption may be 
 said to have been the father of his numerous landscapes of volcanoes and conflagrations. Of 
 the eruption alone he painted about eighteen pictures, each of which was treated in a manner 
 differing more or less from the rest. In his striking pictures of sun and luoonlight, which also 
 began about this time, we see the same love for unnstial and powerful effects ot light. 
 
 From a letter in the possession of Lord Lansdowne, the owner of " The Gladiator," which, by 
 the courtesy of his lordship, I am able to transcribe, we learn that this picture was not 
 sold until the year 1772. In W'right's MS. book the price named is £^0, and Dr. Bates 
 is entered as the purchaser. This price must be an error, or only a part payment, as will 
 be seen from the letter, which is from Wright to Dr. Bates, and was sold with the picture. 
 There is little doubt that this was the picture mentioned in the letter, although it is not 
 referred to by name. 
 
 rj)crby, 1 2th September, 1772. 
 
 " Di':ar Sir, 
 
 " Last night I received a letter from our friend Burdett, whereby I understood you 
 consent to give me .^130 for the picture. I must let it go at that price, as I am under a 
 necessity of immediately raising ;^l,200 on a mortgage, and have only .^l,ooo by me, it was 
 on this account I offered it to you at 125 guineas. I shall say no more on the subject, only 
 desire for ni)- interest, you will ne\er mention what you gave for it, as it might much injure 
 me in the future sale of my pictures, and when I send you a receipt for the money I shall 
 acknowledge a greater sum. 
 
 " 1 wish it may be convenient for you to remit me the money immediately, as Michaelmas is 
 the time fi.xed for the payment of the money, and though I have lent more money than 1 now 
 want, upon the person's bare note, and without interest, I know not a man that would lend 
 me a hundred pounds without high interest and good security. You see how I am circumstanced, 
 and have no doubt but j-ou'll immediately assist me with the money if you can. I think myself 
 much obliged to you for offering me the assistance any of your pictures can give me. 
 
 " I am, with compliments to Mrs. Bates, though not known, 
 
 " Dear sir, 
 
 " Your affectionate frietid, 
 
 "JO. WRIGHT." 
 
 Upon examining the following list of his pictures exhibited at the Rooms of the Society of 
 Artists, it will be noticed that for ten years, from 1765 to 1775, only one landscape is mentioned ; 
 but on his return from Italy, in 1776, he exhibited his first picture of Vesuvius, and from this 
 date ho evidently paid much more attention to landscape, and almost ceased to paint candle-light 
 effects, which, up to that date, had, with portraiture, almost entirely engrossed his pencil. 
 
 Whilst in Italy he made many landscape sketches from nature, which supplied him on his 
 return to England with the greater part of the material for the landscapes he produced from 1775 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 13 
 
 to within a few years of his death, althougli these were interspersed with scenes from Scotland, 
 Derbyshire, and the Lal^e District. 
 
 Wright was at an early period elected a member of the Society of Artists, to whose 
 exhibitions in the Spring Gardens he contributed many years, as will be seen from the following 
 lists extracted from the catalogues. It is to be regretted that at this date it was not the 
 custom to mention in catalogues the names of the persons whose portraits were exhibited, and 
 in consequence of the lapse of time, it is now often impossible to identify - them. 
 
 Pictures Exhibited by Joseph Wright at the Exuibitjoss of the Society oe .Aktists of 
 
 Great Britain. 
 
 No. 163. Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by CandleJiglit. 
 ,, 164. ,-\ Conversation Piece. 
 
 1766. 
 
 „ 195. A Pliilosopher giving that lecture on the Orrery, in which a lamp is ptit in the place of the sun. 
 „ 196. A Portrait of a T.ady, whole length. 
 „ 197. Head of a Gentleman. 
 
 „ iSS. Portrait of a Gentleman, whole length. 
 „ 1S9. A Small Candle-light. 
 „ 190. Ditto, its Companion. 
 
 193. An Experiment on a Bird in the .Mr Pump. 
 
 194. Two Candle-lights. 
 
 1767. 
 
 1768. 
 
 1769. 
 
 „ 196. A Philosopher by Candle-light. 
 „ 197. An Academy by Candle-light. 
 „ 198. A Lady. 
 „ 199. A Conversation. 
 
 1770. 
 
 „ 154. Portrait of a Gentleman, Painted by an ..Vrtificial Light. 
 „ 155. A Conversation of Girls, 
 n 3°3. Child with a Dog. 
 
 1771. 
 
 „ 200. A I,ady anil Child, whole length. 
 
 ,, 201. A Blacksmith's Shop. 
 
 „ 202. A Small Ditto, viewed from without. 
 
 „ 203. A Small Conversation. 
 
 „ 204. Poittait of an Ofttcer. 
 
 „ 205. A Young Lady Undressing by Candle-light. 
 „ 206. An Old Woman Knitting by Candle-light. 
 
 „ 209. The Alchjmist, 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 Astrolo-ers. 
 
14 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 1772. 
 
 No. 369. A Portrait of an Officer, small, whole length. 
 370. A Portrait of an Officer, small, whole length. 
 „ 37r. A Landscape. 
 „ 372. A Blacksmith's Shop. 
 7> 373- An Iron Forge. 
 „ 417. ' A Moonlight.> tv\<wi.«>. 
 
 1773- 
 
 „ 370. A Captive King. 
 
 37 r. An Iron Forge, viewed from without. 
 
 372. An F.arth Stopper on the Banks of the Derwent. 
 
 321. The Old Man and Death. 
 
 1775- 
 
 223. A Sraitli's Forge, altered from his first design. 
 
 1776. 
 
 147. An Eruption of Moinit Vesuvius. 
 "„ 148. The Annual GirandoUa, at the Casfle of St. Angelo, at Rome. 
 
 1791- 
 
 291 Antigomis in the Storm. (From the " 'Winter's Tale.") 
 
 Romeo '' and Juliet. The Tomb Scene. " Noise again 1 then I'll be brief.' 
 
 220. 
 
 222. 
 2 = 3' 
 
 NB-The above Pictures were exlribiled last year in the .Academy; but having been placed in an 
 unfortunate position, owing (as Mr. Wright supposes) to their having arrived too late tn London, and have 
 since received alterations, he is desirous they should again meet the public eye. 
 
 Inside an Italian Stable. 
 Part of the Colosseum. 
 
 Moonlight, View on the Lake Albano, Italy, Monte Jora in the distance. 
 
 Total, 43 Pictures. 
 
 Pictures Exhieiti.:d i.v Joseph Wright at the Exhibition- of the Free Societv of Artists. 
 
 1783- 
 
 No. 4. Moonlight. 
 
 89. Boy Blowing a Bladder. 
 
 Total, 2 Pictures. 
 
 Wright does not appear to have exhibited at all, but in the next year he 
 commenced to send pictures to the Royal Academy, a practice he continued with some 
 interruptions until I794' ; 
 
 • Csiptsiin Salmon, nlio ihcn lived al Breadsall I'riory, near Derby, sat to Wright as Romec 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 PriTUKKS EXHIBITFI, BV JosEMI WrIOIIT AT THE ExiIIBmOMS OF THE RoVAL AcADEMV. 
 
 177S. 
 
 No. ,357. An Eruption of Mount Vesuvius, ivitli the Procession of St. [anuarius's Head. 
 358. A Grolto by tlie Sea-side, in tlie Kingdom of Naples, with Banditti ; a Sunset. 
 Edwin, from Dr. IJealtie's Minstrel. 
 Sterne's Ca])tive. 
 
 Tire Girandola, a grand fireivork e.-iliibited at the Castie of St. Angelo, in Rome 
 Neptune's Grotto at Tivoli. 
 
 359 
 360 
 361 
 
 I779- 
 
 „ 35S. The Girandola, or Grand Fn-e»-ork at the Castle of St. Angelo, in Ronre : Con,pn,ion to the \'esuvius 
 paiiilt'd List year. 
 
 „ 359. Virgil's Tomb, with the Figare of Scilius Italicus, who bought an estate enriched with this ,xaT toad, 
 
 was frequent in his visits to this monument of Ins master. 
 „ 360. Neptune's Grotto at Tivoli. 
 „ 361. 'I'wo Hoys, whole length. 
 
 17S0. 
 
 „ 15S. Eruption of Mount \'esnvius. 
 
 „ 203. A Cavern, with the Figure of Julia, banished thidier by her grandfather, Anguslus. 
 
 A j'hilosopher by Lamp light. 
 
 Cavern in the Gulf of Salernum, Sunset. 
 
 ■Maria, from Sterne, a companion to the Picture of Fdwii 
 
 Cavern in the Gulf of Salernum, Moonlight. 
 
 Portraits of Three Children. 
 
 Virgil's Tomb by Moonlight. 
 
 Portrait ot' a Gentleman. 
 
 , exhibited three years 
 
 1782. 
 
 165. Two Voung Gentlemen in ihe Char.acter of Archers. 
 231. Old Man's Head, m the diameter of an Aposde. 
 
 81 
 S3. 
 96. 
 9S. 
 234- 
 
 17SS. 
 
 Mascena's Villa at Tivoli. 
 Cicero's Villa, ne,ar Salerno. 
 
 View near ,Mare Chiare, on the shore of I'aussilli|)o. 
 
 The Convent of St. Cosimato, near Vicobaro, and f^emauis of ,l,e Clandian Aqueduct, on .he River Ariio 
 View in the Alps, on the side ne,\t Italy, in the I luchy of Milan. 
 
 1789- 
 
 9. .A Moonlight. 
 
 26. Cicero's Villa, an Fvcning. 
 
 67. The Prison of the Capitol. 
 
 74. Ruins of the Colloseo, in Jiome. 
 
 87. .A Boy and Girl Engaged with a Bladder. 
 
 T07. Ruins of the Colloseo, in Rome, with Banditti. 
 
 T37. View of Cromford, near Matlock. 
 
 153. A Girl Blowing a Ch.arcoal Stick. 
 
 236. A Dead Soldier, his Wife and Child, vide Fanghorne's Poems. 
 
i6 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 No I Romeo and Juliet, Act V., Scene last. 
 
 221. Scene from the "Winter's Talc," Act iii., latter end of the sixth scene. 
 
 107. -An Eruption of Vesuvius. 
 
 232. A Lake at Dunkeld, in Scotland, Evening. 
 
 233. A Village on Fire. 
 
 " ' ToT.Au. 40 Pictures. 
 
 From the foregoing h.st of Wright'.s contributions to E.-vhibitions of the Royal Academy, it 
 will be noticed tha't he did not send any between the years .7S2 and lySS. This abstention 
 was caused by his resentment at the conduct of the Academy, in consequence of which he 
 refused the full diploma which the Royal Academy offered to him in 1784. 
 
 From the following extract from the At/,aucum of January 31st, 1SS5, It appears that 
 Wright wtis not the only artist of distinction who at that period had to complain of the 
 treatment of the Council of the Royal Academy. 
 
 "In the archives of the Royal Academy is a letter which has special interest. It is a 
 complaint addressed by Gainsborough to the Council of the Academy, about the manner in 
 which his most important contribution to the gathering of . 7S4 had been treated, being placed 
 in a position, he says, unbecoming its character as a group of Royal portraits, and unjust to 
 himself as a R.A. In the end, with several other works the artist left at the Hanging 
 Committees discretion, the picture was withdrawn, so that the Academy gathering of 1784 
 comprised no Gainsborough. 
 
 The artist abandoned the Academy altogether, and during the four remaining years of his 
 life, he sent no more pictures." 
 
 The doors of the Academy being thus practically closed to Wright, he determined on another 
 plan for bringing his works under public notice. In 1 785 he opened an exhibition, composed 
 of twenty-five of his own pictures, at Mr. Robins's Rooms, Covent Garden, London. This is 
 an early' instance of those exhibitions devoted to the compositions of a single artist which 
 have of late become so frequent. In the catalogue of it which we are enabled to reprint, it will 
 be noticed that fifteen out of the twenty-five works exhibited were not for sale. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 CATALOGUE 
 
 O F 
 
 PICTURES, 
 
 Painted by J. WRIGHT, of Derby, 
 
 And EXHIBITED at 
 
 Mr. R o B I N s ' s Rooms, (late Langford's) No. 9, 
 under the Great Piazza, Coveiit Garden. 
 
 All have their brilliant moments, when alone 
 They paint, as if some star propitious shone ; 
 Yet then, e'en then the hand but ill conveys 
 The bolder grace, that in the fancy plays. 
 Hence, candid critics, this sad truth confest, 
 Accept what least is bad, and deem it best ; 
 Lament the soul in error's thraldom held. 
 Compare life's span with art's extensive field ; 
 Know that ere perfect taste matures the mind, 
 Or perfect practice to that taste be join'd, 
 Comes age, comes sickness, comes contracting [)ain, 
 And chills tlie warmth of youth in every vein. 
 
 Mason's Transiation of Du Fresnoy's Poem on Painting, verse 695, &c. 
 
 1785. 
 
 Printed by J. BAR K E R, Russell-Court, Drury-Lane. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 A 
 
 CATALOGUE. 
 
 N. B. 5;/i7/ pictures as are marked zvith an asterisk (*) 
 are to be disposed of. 
 
 No. I. 
 
 ' ''HE Lady in Milton's Comus, verse 221. 
 
 Was I deceiv'cl, or did a sable cloud 
 Turn forth her silver lining on the night ? 
 I did not err, there does a sable cloud 
 Turn forth her silver hning on the night, 
 And casts a gleam over this tufted grove. 
 
 No. U. * 
 
 A Companion to the preceding picture. The Widow of an Lidian 
 Chief watching the arms of her deceased husband. 
 
 This picture is founded on a custom which prevails among some of 
 the savage tribes in America, where the widow of an eminent 
 warrior Is used to sit the whole day, during the first moon after 
 his death, under a rude kind of trophy, formed by a tree lopped 
 
 and 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY^ 
 
 [ 4 ] 
 
 and painted ; on which the weapons and martial habiHments of 
 the dead are suspended. She remains in this situation without 
 sheher, and perseveres in her mournful duty at the hazard of 
 her own life from the inclemencies of weather. 
 
 No. III. • 
 
 William and Margaret. From the celebrated ballad in Pierce's Re- 
 liques of Ancient English Poetry, vol. 3. ,xvi. 
 
 'Twas at the silent solemn hour 
 
 When night and morning meet, 
 In glided Margaret's grimly ghost. 
 
 And stood at William's feet. 
 
 No. IV. * 
 View of the Cascade of Turni in Italy. 
 
 No. V. 
 
 Virgil's Tomb by moon-light. 
 No. VI. 
 
 The Lake of Nemi. A sun-set. 
 No. VII. * 
 
 Julia, the daughter of Augustus, and supposed mistress of Ovid, 
 deploring her exile, by moon-light, in a cavern of the island to 
 which she was banished. 
 
 No VIII. 
 
WRIGHr OF DERBY. 
 
 [ 5 ] 
 No. VIII. * 
 
 The happy meeting of Hero and Leander, after his .swimming acro.ss 
 the Hellespont in a tranquil night. 
 
 No. IX. * 
 
 A Companion to the preceding picture. The Storm in which Lean- 
 der was drowned. 
 
 No, X. 
 A Landscape. Morning. 
 
 No. XI. 
 A Sea Shore. Evening. 
 
 No. XH. 
 Madock High Tor. Moon-light. 
 
 No. XIII. 
 
 The Maid of Corinth. From Mr. Hayley's essay on painting, 
 verse 1 26, &c. 
 
 O, Love ! it was thy glory to impart 
 Its infant being to this magic art ; 
 Inspir'd by thee, the soft Corinthian maid 
 Her graceful lover's sleeping form portray'd ; 
 Her boading heart his near departure knew, 
 Yet long'd to keep his image in her view ; 
 Pleas'd she beheld the steady shadow fall 
 By the clear lamp upon the even wall ; 
 The line she trac'd with fond precision true, 
 And drawing, doated on the form she drew. 
 
 No. XIV, 
 
WRIGHT OF derby:' 
 
 No. XIV. - 
 
 Companion to the preceding picture. Penelope unravelling h 
 web, by lamp-light. From Pope's Homer, the second book 
 the Odyssey, verse 99, &c. 
 
 Elusive of the bridal day, she gives 
 
 Fond hopes to all, and all with hopes deceives. 
 
 Did not the sun thro' heaven's wide azure roll'd 
 
 For three long years the royal fraud behold, 
 
 While she, laborious in delusion, spread 
 
 The spacious loom, and mi.\'d the various thread ? 
 
 Where, as to life, the wondrous figures rise. 
 
 Thus spoke the inventive queen, with artful sighs : 
 
 " Tho' cold in death Ulysses breathes no more, 
 
 " Cease yet awhile to urge the bridal hour ; 
 
 " Cease, till to great Laertes I bequeath 
 
 " A talk of grief, his ornaments of death ; 
 
 " Lest when the Fates his royal ashes claim, 
 
 " The Grecian matrons taint my spotless name, 
 
 " When he, whom living mighty realms obey'd, 
 
 " Shall want in death, a shroud to grace his shade." 
 
 Thus she : at once the generous train complies, 
 Nor fraud mistrusts in virtue's fair disguise : 
 The work she ply'd ; but, studious of delay, 
 By night revers'd the labours of the day ; 
 While thrice the sun his annual journey made. 
 The conscious lamp the midnight fraud survey'd. 
 
 No. XV. 
 
 A distant View of Vesuvius from the shore of Posilipo. 
 
 No. XV 
 
WKIGHT OF derby: 
 
 [ 7 ] 
 No. XVI. » 
 Thu Companion, in the gLilf of Salerno. 
 
 No. XVII. • 
 .V Landscape. Moon-light. 
 
 No XVI II. 
 A View in Dovedale. Morning. 
 
 No. XIX. 
 Ditto, its Companion. E\"ening. 
 
 No. XX. 
 Portrait of an Artist. 
 
 No. XXI. » 
 Guy de Liisignan in Prison. 
 
 No. XXI 1. 
 
 Portraits of three (of Mr. Newton's) Children. 
 
 No. XXIII. 
 i\ Wood Scene. Moon-light. 
 
 No. XXIV. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 [ 8 1 
 No. XXIV.* 
 
 View of Gibraltar during the destruction of the Spanish Floating 
 Batteries, on the 13th of September, 1782. 
 
 )nay be proper to inform the spectator, that the painter's 
 original plan was to execute two pictures, as companions to each 
 other, on this event so glorious to our country. In the first 
 (which is now exhibited) he has endeavoured to represent an 
 extensive view of the scenery combined with the action. 1 n the 
 second (which he hopes to finish hereafter) he proposes to make 
 the action his principal object, and delineate the particulars of it 
 more distinctly. 
 
 No. XXV. 
 
 Portrait of a Gentleman. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
24 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 Wright so far forgave the injury he considered the Royal Academy had inflicted upon 
 him, as to contribute to their exhibitions in the years 1788, 1789, 1790, and 1794; though 
 from the correspondence printed in Chapter VI., it will be seen that his paintings were not 
 treated with much consideration. 
 
 One characteristic worthy of notice in Wright's portraiture, is the life-like and liquid look 
 that pervades the eyes ; he was also particularly happy in his treatment of the hands of his sitters, 
 which are very different to the misshapen forms that often do duty for hands in paintings by 
 popular artists. 
 
 An e.xhibition, in which his pictures were an important feature, appears to have been held 
 in his native town some two years afterwards, for the Derby Mercury, of October 3, 17S7, 
 contains the following advertisement : — 
 
 EXHIBITION. 
 
 From the numerous and genteel company who have visited this 
 Exhibition, the Inventor will continue the same 
 
 FOR ONE WEEK LONGER, 
 And to the effects already shown will add various others 
 FROM SOME OF THK 
 
 JUSTLY MUCH ADMIRED PAINTINGS OF 
 
 MR. WRIGHT, OF DERBY, 
 
 The effects of which beggar all description, and for 
 which purjiose 
 
 Mr. Wright has politely sent the Inventor his Paintings. 
 
 It is hoped none will miss the present and only opportunity of 
 gratifying their curiosity. 
 
 Admittance from Ten in the morning till One, and from Four till 
 Eight in the evening, at Mr. Wood's, Confectioner, in the- Cra-n 
 Market, at One Shilling ea. 
 
 While, however, Wright appears to have had a proper sense of his own merits as a painter, 
 and not to have lost sight of the advantages of keeping them before the public, and though 
 on certain occasions he held out for his price, he was neither conceited nor ungenerous. Of his 
 liberality sufficient proof is afforded by his numerous gifts of valuable pictures to individuals among 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 25 
 
 his private friends, and to persons to whom he thought himself under oliligatioii. In various 
 instances, these gifts were manifestly disinterested ; and that they were often, and probably always, 
 conferred in a very pleasing manner, which declined rather than sought the expression of 
 gratitude, the following records will sufficiently vouch. 
 
 " Mr. Hayley to Mrs. Hayley. 
 
 " As I love to make you a sharer in every pleasing occurrence of my 
 
 hfo, I cannot let a post depart without dispatching to you an account of a circumstance which 
 has given me no little delight. Beridge last night committed a box to my care, declaring it 
 contained something for me, but requesting that I would not open it till he arrived here to-day. 
 After spending an agreeable morning at Hampstead, I met the dear Physician in Cavendish 
 Square ; and while I was dressing, he displayed his skill as a carpenter in opening the packing- 
 case. When I came from my dressmg-room to the dmmg-room, he surprised me with an 
 exquisite picture of Virgil's Tomb, by Wright, putting into my hand a letter from that amiable 
 artist, requesting my acceptance of this poetical scene, and added, that the splendid frame which 
 contained it was the gift of Dr. Beridge." 
 
 The following is part of a letter written on the margin of a pencil and wash sketch of St. 
 Peter's at Rome, with the Bridge and Tower of St. Angelo, to someone in Derby, in the year 
 1774, when Wright was at Rome — 
 
 " The collour'd drawing I will do for you must be upon a larger scale, and sent bv a friend, 
 as I don't wish to do them as letters, but I presume the enclos'd sort as sketches of observation, 
 or possibly to remove any doubt in regard to particular objects, as I take them as faithfully as I 
 can, and shall do the others also. In the meantime I beg you will make no .scruple in mentioning 
 any particular objects that you wish, as I have justly every reason to have the greatest esteem 
 for you, and having experienced your sincerity and friendship, I beg you will mention no more 
 about the prices." 
 
 In the Exhibition of Wright's works, held in the Art Gallery, at Derby, in 1SS3, was the 
 latest portrait * of the artist. This picture was also a gii>, and was painted at Yoxall Lodge, 
 the residence of his intimate friend, the Rev. T. Gisborne, when Wright was there on a visit. 
 On the back of the picture, in Wright's handwriting, is the following : — 
 
 "JOSEPH US WRIGHT, 
 An. Dom. 1793 
 ^tat 59 
 Manu propria 
 Tabulam hanc 
 Amico suo T. G. 
 Dono dedit 
 Pictor." 
 
 * The Frontispiece Plate in this volume is taken froin this painting, now in the possession of the Honourable Mrs. Griffith, Voxall Lodge, 
 SlafTordshire. ' 
 
26 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 At Ogston Hall another inscription of the same class is to be seen, in Wright's hand- 
 writing, on the back of a portrait of John Holland, who was a very intimate friend, viz.: 
 
 "John Holland, painted by his friend, Joseph Wright, a.d., 1787. 
 
 " ' However odd the phyz pourtrayed, 
 What artist has a better made.' " 
 
 Again, on the back of a landscape, now in the possession of Godfrey Wedgwood, Esq., 
 is written the following : — 
 
 " The gift of Joseph Wright to his friend Jos. Wedgwood, Esq., the patron and encourager 
 of living artists, 17S7." 
 
 In the Appendix, amongst the list of pictures, will be found many more instances of such 
 gifts. Thus: "Given to my friend Tate." "For Mr. Hayley. Mem. not paid." etc. 
 
 As a Water-colour painter of the English school, Wright must be ranked as one of the 
 earliest. Whilst he largely used chalk, pencil, and oils in his sketches, he also used 
 Water-colours in not a few of his Italian sketches taken in 1774. He evidently little 
 thought then, that Water-colour painting would advance and take the high position as an 
 art tliat it occupies to-day, when he, as a pioneer, made those early Water-colour sketches ; for 
 he, in his correspondence, remarks. "1795. I am .glad to hear my friend, Tate, succeeded so 
 well in Water-colours. 1 daresay when the application of them is well understood it is pleasant 
 work." "1793. I am sorry I cannot fulfil my engagement with Mr. Moreland, Mr. Gisborne 
 does not think himself at liberty to divulge Smith's mode of washing with Water-colours," 
 
 In 1795 he writes. "I am glad to hear my good friend (Tate) has kiid hold of his brushes 
 again. Paper and camel hair pencils are better adapted to the amusement of ladies than the 
 pursuit of an artist." 
 
 The Messrs. Redgrave, in their "Century of Painters," say, "We have heard of, but not 
 seen, works in this medium by Wright, of Derby." It is gratifying to know that there are in 
 existence some interesting landscape sketches and portraits in Water-colours by Wright, that tend 
 to show that Wright could use the new medium with great effect and brilliancy. 
 
■'MARIA .■' 
 From Sterne's Senti.m knta i, J ou rn ky. 
 
 OrigiiHil picitu-c in the possession of Afr. W. Jieiiiios,: 
 
27 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Wright Marries and Visits Italy. — Letters.— Extracts fro.m Diary.— 
 Birth of his Daughter, Anna Romana, in Rome.— Influence of the Old 
 Masters. 
 
 N July, 1773, Wright married Miss Ann Swift, and in November 
 set sail in the "Jupiter" for Italy, with his wife and Mr. 
 Hurleston.* 
 
 Before leaving England he wrote the following letter to his 
 brother, Richard Wright: — 
 
 " 1773- 
 
 " Dear Brother, 
 
 " By the waggon yesterday I sent you in a bo.x four 
 pillar Candlesticks called Tooth & Egg, to be cleaned as silver. 
 1 hey are what they seem to be, w='' if I mistake not your temper, will be more pleasing to 
 you than a refined outside, with a Base inside. They are such at least as best suit my Taste 
 cS: pocket, & I sincerely hope you'll receive them as a pledge of the Love I bear you. I 
 shall be glad to hear you have got 'em safe. Thursday last I got on board the Jupiter all 
 our Baggage, and a Case with the two pictures of the Alchymist and Captive King, for so 
 my Friends advised me. The ship is sailed for Exeter, when she will arrive is as uncertain 
 as the Winds that blow her. However, I hope the Cap'- will soon send us a summons to 
 embark. The winter approaches fast, and will, I fear, blast those Joys I promised myself at 
 a more agreeable time of the year ; however, I flatter myself matrimony has improved my 
 Constitution, and I am better able to bear the rude winds than heretofore. 
 
 * "Tlic Mr. Hurleston who went with Mr. Wright of Derby, to Italy in 1773, wis my great uncle. He was ■ very promising young artist, 
 but immediately after his return to this country, was killed by lightning while tilling across Salisbury Plain in a storm. His name occurs in 
 the early catalogues of the Royal Academy. from a iMcr from F. Y. Hw leslon, PresiJeal ,f llu Inartaralid Sociilv of Brilhh Arlhli 
 A„g„sl, 1S50. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY 
 
 "Last week my Sister Nancy and this family went on board the ■Jupiter,' ai'terwards we 
 were conducted by the Cap'- to his house, where we dined with the rest of the passengers ; a 
 good thought this of the Cap'- that we might not when we met on board wear the awkward 
 faces of strangers. I shall be very happy to hear again from you ere we leave English ground, 
 and if you write on Saturday night it will I think get here in time. Tell M'- Greenwood 
 the Drawings will be ready whenever he sends for them. I rec'd the Ruffles safe. Make my 
 afiectionate Comp'- to M'" Fo.x & M"" Shelton ; I dreamt she was got so well as to visit her 
 Friends, would she was really so. 
 
 '■ I am, with Love to my Sister f& affectionate Comp'" where due, your Loving Brother, 
 
 " JO. WRIGHT. 
 
 " P.S. — 1 hope Dick's * heart failed him not at his Departure, j Tuesday night, 
 " M'- Hurleston's Comp'-- to you & Sister. ) London." 
 
 He evidently proved a bad sailor, for in his first letter home, written from Nice, he 
 says, " The continual agitation of the ship soon rendered us very sick, and we not only lost 
 sight of land, but of everything save our cabin, and the vessel into which we discharged 
 the contents of our sickly ston-iachs." He spent many months in Rome, studying especially 
 the works of Michael Angelo, in the Capella Sestina of the Vatican. He here made faithful 
 drawings, upon a larger scale than had generally been attempted, as he considered those subjects 
 but ill-adapted for pocket-book sketches. "These Treasures of Art f have hitherto remained, in 
 a great degree, lost to the world, having scarcely been seen except by Mr. Wright's particular 
 friends, to whom he showed them, when his imagination was warmed with a description of the 
 divine originals," J In Hayley's Lile of Romney we read, "In 1773, Romney went to Italy, 
 where he acquainted himself with all the artists of his country, for 1 recollect his having 
 repeatedly lamented that our amiable friend, Wright, the painter of Derby, had laid the 
 foui-idation of those cruel nervous suflcrings which afflicted his later years, by excess of applica- 
 tion during his residence in Rome." 
 
 His letters from Italy are very Interesting, especially for his opinions on various 
 celebrated Works of Art. A few extracts must suffice. 
 
 "... And on Sunday, 5th Dec. (1773), came into port at Nice amidst thousands of 
 spectators of all ranks, who were placed on steps, their heads rising one above another had a 
 very pleasing effect, like the crowded galleries of a theatre. It was on the 'Jupiter's' account 
 this large assembly were gathered together, she being the largest vessel that has sailed into 
 this port, and I fancy I may add the best, she weathered without any material injury many 
 storms." 
 
 * This has reference to the first voyiige of his nephew, Richard Wright, in the service of the East India Conijiany ; two other members 
 ,f the family were previoesly in that service. 
 
 + Now in the possession of the writer, with many other sltetches. 
 X Simpson's Hisloiy of Derby. 
 
" WRIGHT OF DERBY.- 29 
 
 Rome, Feb>' 4th, 1774. 
 
 "As I know my Dear Brother & Sister will be better pleased to have a speedy account 
 of cm- safe arrival here, from an hasty & irregular Letter, than from a more accurate one with 
 delay, I embrace the first minute to tell you we got here last night in tolerable Sp" con- 
 sidering the tedious Journey we had from Leghorn, w'"" is not 200 miles. We were advised 
 as the best mode of travelling for those who speak not the language of the Country to 
 engage with a man to take us to Rome for so much money & to accommodate us with 
 every necessary on the Road. The Carriages ha\'e only two wheels, like our one horse 
 chairs, drawn by the same pair of horses all the way, w'"" travel about as fast as our Stage 
 waggons ; we were obliged to rise by three in the morning to go betwi.xt 20 & 30 miles a 
 day, to arrive at night at a poor house, with large cold rooms, & bad accommodation, very 
 unpleasing to the English traveller. By the advice of M'- Cesar, M'^ Heathcoate's friend at 
 Pisa, I provided myself with a large Cloak, such as the Italians use; w""" kept me tolerably 
 comfortable by day & night, in w''' I lay, for I durst not undress, the Beds being seldom lain 
 in. Cap'- Uifting's delay threw us into the Winter which has been attended with much cost 
 & many inconveniences." 
 
 " Rome, Feb. 12, 1774. 
 
 " My De.ar Brother, 
 
 ■' I fully intended sending this Letter according to the first date, but was prevented 
 
 by the visits of the English ; and many other occurrences has since happened to prolong my 
 
 silence beyond my wish, as I know you will be anxious to have a second Letter ; tho' 1 wrote 
 
 to M'' Coltman from Genoa, who wou'd, I hope, inform ycxi I was well. I am [entre nous) 
 
 surprized he shou'd think of quitting the Close till he has it brought into as good condition 
 
 as he found it. If he leaves it so he must have gained much by it. If M'- Brentnall has it, 
 
 who, according to your account, I have no objection to, care should be taken that he does 
 
 nothing to the disadvantage of my Close to l3enefit his own. I am sorry poor Dick has 
 
 been so unfortunate at his first setting out, it was enough to give him an insurmountable 
 
 prejudice, for the sea is terrible in stormy weather. I am sorry he is still likely to be expensive 
 
 to us, only because I can't now so well afford it as formerly. This Tour has & will cost me 
 
 much more than I expected. My wife has been but indifferent, the storms by sea, and the 
 
 violent shaking by land (for some parts of the road is very stony) have been too much for 
 
 her. I called in a Doctor who said it was necessary she should loose blood, accordingly 
 
 the next morning was appointed for the operation. The D'- & his Surgeon came, never did 
 
 I see such parade, they talked of Galen cS: Hypocrates & abundance of stuff, to conceal, I 
 
 fear, their Ignorance. However, M"' Wright is better, they are against purging and have 
 
 ordered her to drink a small liquor which they call Sherbett, to thin her blood. I have not 
 
 wrote to M'- Shackleford, I did not think it necessary, & his behaviour to me required it not 
 
 I am sure, for whatever he may say of generosity & Gratitude, I never saw the least shadow 
 
 of it. I was very fortunate in getting both yours & Nancy's Letters ; my wife has not heard 
 6 
 
3° 
 
 « WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 from her friends, nor has Hurleston, nor Downman * who came with us received any Letters. 
 I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as your business will permit. The air here is not 
 so cold as in England, but it is very thin & searching. Nancy tells me she has heard the 
 Empress of Russia t has taken ye picture of the Iron Forge, but does not like the Hermit. 
 1 hope by this time you have heard from Burdett & to some purpose. Make my affectionate 
 Comp" to Coltmans, Hopes, Uenby, S:c., &c., &c. 
 
 " I am sorry to hear you have been indisposed, and that my Sister is no better. Give 
 my love to her. Make my Comp"' to Col. Heathcote, his Lady, &c., tell them I have seen 
 Cap'- Heathcote— he's well. When I write again I hope we shall be settled, when you shall 
 hear more particularly from me. It is now Carnival time at Rome, the Romans are all 
 mad. M'- Coke, our member's son, has done me the honor of a visit. M" Flint's death 
 alarmed me much, tho' I thought before I left Derby she declined fast. M"' Clayton's in- 
 disposition surprised me. What great alterations does a litde time make in a small circle of 
 acquaintance. Pray how does M"' Shelton, our good friend M"- Fox, 1 hope for their mutual 
 happiness they both are well. Pray has Miss Fowler received the colours she gave me a 
 commission for, my respects attend the family. Adieu. God be with all, 
 
 " I am with sincerltN", 
 
 " Your loving Brother, 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 
 ■' Rome, 13th Ap, /74. 
 
 " For Miss Narxy Wright, at Mr. Hurleston's in Gary Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, 
 England. 
 
 "What havock, my dear Nancy, does a little time make in the small circle of one's 
 acquaintance, and how weak and tottering is the basis on which human happiness is founded. 
 Poor M'-'- Van ! I left her a happy wile, smiling amidst a joyous faiuily, but now, by one fatal 
 stroke, suddenly involved in bitter calamity, in deep affliction, a sad disconsolate widow. I hope 
 to God M'- \'an has left her so circumstanced that she will feel no additional sorrow on that 
 consideration. He was a good man, and has no doubt done what he could for his dear family. 
 When you see them or write to them, give my love to them, and say I let fall many a 
 sjanpathetic tear. While 1 am in this gloomy scene, let me enquire after the afflicted. Pray 
 how does M"- Shelton, I fear from your e.xpression she's relapsed into her old malady. Our 
 good friend, M"' Fox, amidst y' calamities of this world, with her usual good sense & 
 fortitude, I hope keeps up her spirits & is tolerably happy. How does our friends do at Chester, 
 and to go a litde farther, how is M'" and M" Clayton, is he got well of his indisposition ? 
 Remember me to all my friends in terms agreeable to the esteem you know 1 hold them in. 
 
 * There is little doubt that is John Downman, R.A. 
 t It is recorJetl th.t Catherine, Empress of Russia, purchased pictures by the most eminent masters in every capital of Europe, and wiren she died 
 n 1796, she left at the Hermiiaee 1,383 valuable paintings. Of these only eight belonged to the English school. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 31 
 
 " In your first letter you mention somciJiing of my Brother's indisposition, nor is niy 
 Brother more particuhir about it, from which I judged it was sHght ; but a letter from 
 Tate, and yours, wh'^'' now lies before me, sadly convince me to the contrary. My suspicions 
 made me uneasy, & the proof has made but little abatement in it ; however, as it is now- 
 only the effect of his illness, I hope he will make daily advancements to health. I am pleased 
 to hear Mr. Meynell has behaved so well to my Bro., and that Mr. Grcaslcy— to whom our 
 comp"' — is so ready to assist him & is kind. Tate will have a letter from Hurlcston while 
 in Town, but as he was not so civil as to ask me if I had any commands, or give me an 
 opportunity of waiting a word or two, I must desire you to tell him I shall be glad if he 
 would look after the picture of the Hermit, see whether any accident has happened to it, and 
 deliver it safe to Sothcby to keep till I return to England. 1\P* Hurlcston. to whose family 
 give our respectful compliments, will inform Tate concerning the picture. I should write to 
 
 Tate, but h(- must excuse me at present, for I have so much employment for my eyes {w'''' by 
 the by are not so good as they have been) in the art I am in search of that I cannot afford 
 to use 'em otherwise ; hence the reason I have never wrote to my good friends Pcther, 
 Ravvson, Capt. French, R. Tate, Turner, &c. 
 
 " We arc now fixed in very good apartments in the most healthful part of this city. The 
 house stands upon the highest ground, and we have 109 stairs to ascend to them, which I 
 fear will be very inconvenient in hot weather. Here are upwards of 40 English students, and 
 many cavaliers, w^'' makes Rome a much dearer place than I expected. 
 
 " Rome answered my expectations at first, but my love & admiration of it increase daily. 
 'Tis a noble place to study in, and if so many years had not passed over my head I shou'd 
 be tempted to stay longer. 
 
 Note.— 77(f ivriler is iudchled to the pi'Opridors of the '■'■Art /ouinal" for the above, md several other illustrations in this work. 
 
32 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 " Tell Tate to take notice whether my 
 and it may be sold in the catalogue, and 
 have set So guineas upon it. but 1 would 
 
 picture* is hung advantageously in the Exhibition, 
 whether mention is made that 1 am at Rome. I 
 take 70 rather than not sell it." 
 
 " Rome, May 22, fy^. 
 
 " Dear Sister, 
 
 " After waiting many a post-day with great impatience and anxiety, I at last rec'^ 
 a letter from my dear brother ; from my sister and Coltman's letters, I had reason to have 
 expected one much sooner, w'^^'' made the delay intolerable, and filled me with many a doubt 
 and many a fear, lest he should have relapsed into his grievous illness. I have felt much on 
 y' occasion, and the account he has given me of it (tho' the danger I hope to God is over), 
 is even now very alarming, from the reflection of what might have happened. You, my dear 
 sister, being witness to the malady, must have suffered much : I sincerely wish him a speedy 
 and perfect re-establishment of his health. Ill health is one of the greatest evils that can 
 befell man in my opinion, the truth of w''' both you and myself have had woeful experience, 
 and I am sorrv to hear you still kibour under the affliction. Mine, thank God, is much 
 better. This climate is certainly very salutary, and would, I think, perfectly restore me, was 
 not my attention and application continually engaged with the amazing and stupendous remains 
 of antiquity ; and so numerous are they, that one can scarce move a foot but the relics oi 
 some -Stupendous works present themselves. When I consider the immense size of the whole, 
 and the beauty of the parts, I cannot help reflecting how trifling and insignificant arc the 
 present operations of mankind ; we are no better than infants, and ought to wear daiding 
 strings. I have no time to enter into a particular detail of the fine things this country abounds 
 with ; let it suffice to tell you at present, that the artist finds here whatever may facilitate 
 and improve his studies. The Antique remains of Art, as I said before, are wonderful. The 
 natural scenes are beautiful and uncommon, with an atmosphere so pure and clear, that objects 
 twenty miles distant seem not halt the way. 
 
 " The women are in general handsome, they walk admirably, and have a gentility and ease 
 about them peculiar to themselves. 'Tis not in the costliness of their habits that they outdo 
 the English, but in the form and manner of wearing them. Vast quantity of fine hair, 
 elegantly disposed of, with sometimes a very small cap, with jewels, &c., are the ornaments 
 of their head ; and when they go out, instead of putting on a hat, they wear black gauze, 
 w'^'' is gathered behind, and hangs from the upper and back part of the head over the face : 
 of a beautiful woman or rather face, one sees so much as to make one wish to sec more ; 
 of a plain one, it pardy conceals the defects. They all wear long trains to their gowns, 
 however ordinary the stuff, w'"" has a grand effect. The common people dress in the same 
 manner, tho' with worse materials, and from the mutual intercourse one with another — tor in 
 the summer months they sit in the streets and pursue their occupations — they have an easiness 
 
 ' Xo. 3ZI. TliL- Okl Mail and Death.— Society of Artists' Exhibition. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 33 
 
 of deportment that is amazing ; their dress, too, which is perfectly easy and picturesque, 
 contributes much to it. 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 
 " My Dear Brother, Ro,ne^ Aug. loth, /74. 
 
 "... The thermometers are now at 97 degrees. My wife received the letter you 
 mention, and has answered it by post. As Tate has left Manchester for the present, desire 
 he will write to his brother to wait upon Burdett for the pen-and-ink drawing he has of mine, 
 which Mortimer gave me, & w=" I would not lose on any account. I suppose I shall suffer 
 much by him." 
 
 "... Wo have had but little society here -none with the Italians-for the want of 
 language cuts off all intercourse. Learning a new language at my time of life is a very 
 arduous task, and would take up more of my time than I can spare. It is astonishing how 
 litde I have got of it ; and yet, when I consider my time is entirely spent amongst the 
 antique statues and paintings, the wonder ceases, for they speak not the language." 
 
 "... Since we came here we have seen St. Peter's & the Villa de Medicis, of w='' 
 I can say nothing ; they beggar all description. They abound with objects for the artist's 
 contemplation. It is now Carnival time ; the Romans seem to me all going mad. The rrent'" 
 & ladies parade in their carriages up & down a long street whimsically dressed in masques, 
 the most beautiful of w''" was young Mr. Coke, our Mendjcr's son. You know he is very 
 handsome, and his dress, w='' was chiefly white, made him appear charming indeed. The lower 
 class walk up & down the streets practising their wit one upon another, consistently with the 
 character they put on. 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 " Rome, Auo-. 1 1. 
 
 "To Miss N. Wright. 
 
 "... A post or two ago I wrote to my Bro., by which letter you will learn my 
 dear Nancy was safely delivered of a fine little wench, who is now seven weeks old, hearty 
 and bonny. I watch with infinite pleasure its infant state, and slow advances to sensibility. 
 I pray God it may prosper, it will make me happy— our mode of dressing it is so different 
 to the Italian, it raises their admiration ; for instead of the loose, light, and easv dress we 
 have, they swaddle their children from head to foot, like so many Egyptian mummies, and 
 have neither use of their hands nor feet ; in hot weather it is filthv and intolerable, and I 
 observe when the litde creatures are let out of prison at night they discover a pleasure, which 
 condemns the practice. 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 
 " Rome, .'\ugust 14, /7a. 
 " To Miss N. Wright. " ^ 
 
 " I am heartily .sorry, my dear Nancy, so many uncouth circumstances have 
 happen'd to embitter your life, and ruffle that bosom whicli I know is so well formed for 
 
34 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 peace and sweet repose. The world, you know, is made up of good and ill, and would exist 
 not but for contrarieties ; every individual that helps to compose the whole has his portion, 
 and happy it is lor him whose scale of good fortune makes light the adverse one. Minds 
 there are, my Nancy, so fraught with fortitude, patience, and philosophy, as blunt the edge 
 of ills, and bear sharp fortune with a degree of composure as is astonishing, but this, my love, 
 is a power, a faculty of mind few can boast of; yet, I flatter not, when 1 say you possess 
 these virtues in a desirable degree, and now (sorry 1 am for the occasion) call them forth, and 
 soothe as much as may be, your troubled breast. Well I know how grievous the indisposition 
 of your lover must be to you, yet consider a little time may make a great change in him ; 
 he's young, and has naturally a good constitution, w" doubtless will soon overcome the present 
 malady. May I prove a good prognosticator, and may you both be happy. 
 
 " My pictures arc in great estimation here. I am shortly to be introduced to the Pope ; 
 it is thoutdit he will honour me with his medal 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 
 was so g 
 neve 
 
 T r> ^\-,,,r-i,T "Rome iith Nov. hi,. 
 
 "Id RiCIl-ARD V\ RK.HT. 
 
 ■' Mv DiL\R Brothek, 
 
 " I am just returned from an Excursion to Naples w'"- I made partly to satisfy my 
 curiosity for seeing one of the most wonderful parts of the world, and partly to improve my 
 health impaired by the intense heats and too close application to study. There has not been 
 known at Rome so hot a summer as the last these many years past. In the month of 
 August the thermometer in the sun was I20 degrees, in y= shade 96. At Florence the heat 
 reat as to affect many with a kind of delirium, and others it proved fatal to. 1 
 er before e.xperienced such intolerable heat, so great was the perspiration occasioned by it, 
 notwithstanding we have one of the most airy situations here, as made it necessary to sit still 
 and constanriy wipe off the sweat as it distilled, this relaxed the mind and body so much 
 as to render then unfit for stud)- and application. 1 am surprised Sir W- Meredith is not 
 punctual in his payment, if he has not paid when you write to me again, tell me so, and 1 «ill 
 write to him about it. 1 am glad my tenants like their closes, 1 hope their pains and expenses 
 will be rewarded ; give my comp- to them. The ig'" Nov., the day you intend to celebrate 
 your Nuptial, now draws very nigh-may health, long life, and every joyous circumstance of the 
 marriage state attend you and yours is y' sincere wish of yours, &c. 
 
 " Mrs. Wright begs to be remembered to you and your intended lady, with every good 
 wish for your felicity. " She is, thank God, well, and the litde Roman is very bonny, and the 
 admiration of all that see her. 
 
 A day or two before the time appointed for my introdt.ction to the Pope, he was taken 
 with an indisposition, which in a short time roblVd him of his life and me of my honours. 
 
 Remember me with respect to all my friends; when you see Whitehurst,* tell hnn 
 
 celcbtateJ Machinist, and .Author ot tlie " Thcury of the Earth." 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 35 
 
 I wished for his company when on Mount Vesuvius, his thoughts would have centcr'd in the 
 bowels of the mountain, mine skimmed over the surface only ; there was a very considerable 
 eruption at the time, of which I am going to make a picture. 'Tis the most wonderful sight 
 in nature. 
 
 " Adieu, God be with you and my friends, to whom remember me with most cordial love, 
 
 " I am, 
 
 ''Your Affectionate Brother. 
 
 "JO. WRIGHT." 
 
 " For Miss Wright, at Mr. Wright's, Surgeon, Derby. " Rome, May 4, /75. 
 
 " Dear Sistkr, 
 
 " I thought I should have dated this letter from Florence, but I am like all other 
 artists that come here, who much outstay their intended time, and at last leave the noble and 
 renowned city (Rome) with reluctance. Notwithstanding, I have been very industrious, more 
 so perhaps than has been consistent with my health, yet shall I leave undone many things 
 that I covet much to have. I have staid a month longer than I intended, to have an 
 answer from Mr. Baxter, the Russian Consul, concerning the picture I have painted of Mount 
 Vesuvius in a great eruption, 'tis the grandest effect I ever painted. If the Empress is to have 
 it, it must be shipped from Leghorn to St. Petersburg, and I must wait here to see it off. 
 I wish she may take it. a 100 guineas will not be unacceptable, for it is not so cheap living 
 abroad as generally represented ; we pay for a floor consisting of 6 rooms at the rate of 
 ^40 a year. The tour of Italy is now become so fashionable, and the English cavaliers so 
 profuse with their money, that the artists suffer for iheir prodigality. 
 
 " I should have finished this letter according to the date, but have again had inilamcd 
 eyes, and have been much indisposed with sore throats and colds. The weather this spring 
 has been very awkward, always varying from hot to cold — sometimes harsh, dry winds, at 
 other times violent rains ; in short, tlic air of Rome is by no means good ; and when I 
 consider my health only, & the many indispositions I have had here, I am not sorry we are 
 to leave on Sunday, loth June. We go from hence to Florence, where I suppose we shall 
 stay a month or six weeks, & then to Parma, where the most famous picture of Corregio 
 is. If the picture answers to its character, I shall make a copy of it, it will improve me ; and 
 if I choose to sell it, it will be advantageous. When I have finished at Parma, we shall 
 go to Venice to study Titian's colouring. These engagements will detain me in Italy 
 the hot weather, and to return to England in the cold will not be advisable for me. If I 
 can get over the Alps before the snow falls, and pass the winter advantageously at Bordeaux, 
 in the south of France, it will. I believe, be the best scheme for my health. It has been 
 said, if I chose to paint portraits at Bordeaux I might Ije employed all the winter. 
 
 " Give my comp'-- to my good friend Coltman (to whom I wrote some 7 or 8 weeks 
 ago), and tell him of ni)- intention. But I should not choose to go there on an uncertainty, 
 as it is not a place of art. Perhaps he will write to some of his friends there to know 
 
36 
 
 " WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 what encouragement I might meet with there for a couple of months. Malie conip'"' to Mrs. 
 Fowler & to her most ingenuous & agreeable daughter — in a word, to all friends whom I 
 have in my heart, but cannot particularize. 
 
 " Dear little Nancy is a fine litde wench. An Italian gent" who saw her in the street 
 sometime ago said, what a fine girl she was, but was absurd enough to say at the same 
 time, it was a pity the English shou'd have fine children, they used 'em so cruelly, mine goes 
 almost naked. The Italians load theirs with dress. 
 
 " Y^' affectionate Bro., 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 
 " Parma, July 24th, 1775. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " In conformity to your request I am sat down to give you my opinion of the 
 famous picture of Correggio, of which how shall I dare speak, but in the current terms of 
 exalted praise. Vou know the world's opinion of it. & if mine does not exactly coincide 
 with it, it is not from any affectation of being singular in my opinion, but the result of such 
 judgment as I have, divested of every thing that has been said, for or against it. 
 
 " As to the composition & light & shadow, you are as well acquainted as myself from y' 
 copies you have seen. The picture is beautifully coloured, has surprising brilliancy, without 
 whiteness, and is very harmonious. The parts are very round and forcibly painted, but is 
 laboured as to beget tameness — I had almost said woodenness in many parts. The faces are 
 wonderfully soft, but they want those beautiful turns & spirited touches we see in nature, & 
 which keeps high-finished pictures from looking heavy. The flesh is finely coloured, is very 
 clear, and has a sanguine appearance that is very pleasing, but withal not so true as Titian's 
 Venus. The draperies are neither very finely set nor painted, nor had Correggio the finest 
 eye for shapes ; yet after all the whole together is wonderfully sweet, & one cannot help being 
 charmed with the effect. Romney only painted the Magdalen's head, the picture answered not 
 his expectations ; and Mr. Parry left his quite unfinished, as the picture did not appear so fine 
 to him a second time as it did the first. Mr. Copley has been hard at it five weeks, & 
 says he will spend twice that time more over it, but he will get it like the original. It is 
 with infinite labour he produces what he does, but that is eiilre nous. 1 have left my outline, 
 with two Entilish three-quarter cloths, which you seemed to admire, with the Custodio of the 
 academy, directed for you. 
 
 " I am quite tired of seeing pictures, the general run of them are so indifferent— even 
 Venice answered not my expectation. Titian's works are so changed and damaged, & when 
 Mr. Romney said he was not to be seen out of Venice, he meant in grand composition 
 & expression. 
 
 ■' In the Sacristy of the Salute are three ceilings, the one of David & Goliath, Abraham 
 offering his son, & the third I don't know y' subject ; these are finely painted & designed 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 37 
 
 in a Mic' Angelo like stjie. Romncx- did not copy the St. Jolin ; a disaster liappencd wiiich 
 you will hear of at Venice, & which I have not now time to relate ; he painte<I a hall'- 
 length of Montague and two or three heads, which he will finish in England. Mr. Jenkins 
 was so obliging to ship my cases for me. I had desired poor Mr. Stevens to pay Mr. 
 Jenkins any charge there might be upon them ; 1 wish you would be kind enough to settle 
 it Ibr me, I will repay you when I have the pleasure to see you in England. If you will 
 mdulgc me with a line directed to me at Germany —Giradot & Co., Bankers in Parma— I 
 shall be very happy to hear from you. 
 
 " Mrs. Downman and Mrs. Wright send their best compliments to you, as does little Pop 
 her ' Ta.' 
 
 " I am, Sir, 
 
 "Your friend, 
 
 '■J°- WRIGHT." 
 
 "A Monsieur Humphrey* Pittore Anglois, 
 " a Mon'' Varrini, 
 
 " Firenze, N." 
 
 EXTR.\CTS FROM WrIGIIt's JoURN..\L DuRIKG HlS Tr,WELS IN ItALV, IN I774-5. 
 
 " Naples. — St. Martino Del Monte. In a Chapel belonging to the Casde of St. Elmo is 
 the famous picture of Spanioletto of a Dead Christ ; this picture is esteemed his best. Mr. 
 Forrester bought one of the same in Rome, wdiich is now in the possession of , and 
 
 thought equally good. "I'is well painted and coloured, has great e.xpression and force. In the 
 Church in compartments over the arches are single figures, painted also by Spanioletto, some 
 of them very fine, indeed. 1 admire his manner, 'tis forcible and natural. This Church of 
 St. Martino Del Monte belongs to the order of Carthusians, which is the richest of .all orders, 
 inileed, the riches of this Church prove it. Such elegant things of gold and silver, set with all 
 kinds of precious stones, I never before beheld. In the King's palace on Capo Del Monte is a 
 very large collection of Pictures, Medals, Cameos, and Intaglios, The famous picture of Titian 
 ot Danae in tile shower of gold, is wonderfully painted, but time and varnishes have robbed 
 it of its beautiful colouring, it is now too yellow and spotty. The action is fine and well 
 adapted to the subject, it is better drawn than any I have seen of him. 
 
 "In the palace on Capo Del Monte is perhaps the largest piece of Rock Crystal in the 
 world, it is of an irregular shape, one way it is upwards of a yard in diameter, the other 
 about a jard, 'tis very transparent. Here are a great number of Cameos, both single heads 
 and compositions wonderfully fine. Here also is the finest and largest Cameo I ever saw, it 
 IS an oval figure, and upwards of 6 inches the longest way. An Holy family by Raphael, 
 small figures very highly finished, the picture very capital. Lord Scarsdale has a copy of it. 
 
 7 
 
 * Osias num]ihrey, miniature paintor and K.A., was in Italy about this time willi Romney. 
 
38 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 That sweet little Magdalen lying along on the ground, by Corregio, is here also, as are many 
 others by the same Master. 
 
 " In the King of Naples' palace is a very capital picture of a Holy family, by Raphael, it 
 is finely composed, the Virgin is lovely, and the expre.ssion of Jesus and St. John wonderful. 
 It is in his best manner and in good preservation, the Cartoon of it is at the King's palace 
 on Capo Monte, the size of the picture. At the same place is a very fine portrait of a 
 Pope, by Titian, he is sitting in a chair. It is charmingly painted, with a full pencil, and as 
 far as I can judge the effect is produced without glazing. 
 
 " At the palace are two fine oval pictures of Sal. Rosa, the subjects. Banditti, very highly 
 finished, and painted with great force and spirit. A picture of Boys, very good, by Poussin. 
 
 "The City of Pompeio, 15 miles from Naples, which was overwhelmed by the eruption of 
 Vesuvius about fifteen hundred \-ears ago (at which Pliny, the elder, lost his life), and wdiich was 
 discovered 1 5 years ago, seems to me to have been small, at least the houses, rooms, and 
 the street which remain indicate. They have, by the king's order, dug a good deal of the 
 city, but much remains inveloped in a loose kind of Lava. Parts of buildings intire, with the 
 ornamental paintings on the walls perfect, in style not much unlike some Chinese painting I 
 have seen, together witli the Sculls & bones of those that perished there, make a very 
 interesting scene. There is to be seen in one of the rooms in which is fixed a stone vessel 
 for washing in, an intire skeleton of a woman who perished at her work. W hatever is found 
 here, curious or ^■aluable, is deposited in the King's Museum. 
 
 " Herculancum is at the foot of Vesuvius on which Portici now stands, is 5 miles from 
 Naples, was destroyed probably by the same eruption as Pompeio, the Lava which over- 
 whelmned it is much more hard and compact than that at Pompeio, owing perhaps to its 
 vicinity to the Mountain. The theatre is the only part which remains open, and that is partially 
 so, that one has but little idea of the construction of the whole. They have dug much at 
 Herculaneum and found many paintings & other antiquities which are at the Museum. As 
 Portici stands upon Herculaneum they dug but lltde at a time, & when they got out the 
 valuables filled up the parts again, that the City of Portici might not be endangered. 
 
 "The Museum is the most interesting place I have seen, as it is filled with the ornamental 
 and useful utensils of Herculaneum and Pompeio. Glad I am to find from the observations 
 I have made in these places, that the present age is not so degenerated, either in size or 
 morals as some imagine. The sculls of the old Romans were the size of the present, and 
 from the Chirurgical instruments which are in the Museum, they were liable to the same 
 disorders, indeed there is no doubt but Nature was always the same & will be so ad infinitum. 
 But to return to the contents of the Museum. There are many Bronze heads, one of Seneca, 
 very capital, the rest much inferior. The figures not of the first-class. There is a Satyr lying on 
 a skin of wine, snapping his thumb & finger, the expression very good ; also two wresders in 
 very fine actions. A sitting figure of a Mercury, sweet attitude. Sculpture good 
 
 "Left Rome the loth of June, 1775, came to Florence on the 19th, by the way of Narni, 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 39 
 
 Terni, Perug-io, &c., iSo miles; part of it a most deligiitful and picturesque country, of which 
 Claudio has availed himself much. Florence is a pleasant City, the Arno with its Bridges add 
 greatly to its beauty. The one consisting of 3 arches only, is very beautiful. There arc a 
 few fine things in Art. The Venus, the Boxers, the little Apollo, the Dancing Faun & the 
 Grinder. Titian's Venus, Florence, did not answer my expectation ; when one has seen Rome 
 other places .suffer by the comparison. Left Florence 4th July, passed over the Appenines, a 
 very wild country, the surface of which is the most broken and irregular I c\'er saw. Came to 
 Bologna, which is 66 miles, on the 6th. Bologna is a large & well-built City. Its piazzas are 
 very .spacious & beautiful, and not less convenient at all times of the year. In the winter 
 it defends you from wet, in summer from heat, which is very great here. At St A^natis 
 is a picture, by Domenichino, of the mitrder of that .Saint, not good. The E.xprcssion weak, 
 the lights of bad shades & not well combined. At the Sampiere Palace is a picture of Guide 
 of St. Peter & St. Paul in his first manner, very forcibly painted. St. Ctecilia, by Raphael, 
 in St. lovani in iNIonte, is much damaged and not so fine as I expected to have found it, the 
 figure of St. Paul \-ery fine. A large picture of Ludi\'ico Caracci & one of the woman taken 
 in adultery, some parts of it \-ery good. The liirth of St. John, by ditto, very indifferent. 
 At the Carthusian Convent, which is a very elegant one, is the famous picture of Lud. Car. 
 of St. John the Baptist, the character & expression of St. John's head seems to have been 
 very fine, the other parts of the picture not very good, the whole is much damaged. At the 
 same Convent is a good picture of Guercino. Left Bologna on the 9th and embarked for 
 \'enice. had a very fatiguing passage thro' the Canals, .arrived at Venice the 12th, was highly 
 entertained with its first appearance, a City standing in the sea. The chief works in painting 
 are by Titian, Paul Veronese and Tintoret. The large picture by Paul \'er. of the marriage 
 in Canaan has an ill effect altogether, it is a confused multitude. The personages are chiefly 
 portraits, and he has introduced Titian and other Artists his friends as musicians in the 
 centre of the picture; there are in it some heads well painted. In St. Maria Maggiore is 
 the famous picture of St. John in the Wilderness, by Titian, this picture, like most of Titian's, 
 is grown very brown & dark, it seems to have been finel)- painted in a broad manner ; the 
 drawing is good, as is the action, & the head has a good character. The picture by Do. of 
 the martyrdom of St. Peter, in St. Giovanni e paolo is much daiuaged, has been a very fine 
 picture, the actions & expressions very natural & spirited. Salute, 3 compartments in the 
 ceiling, by Titian, of David & Goliah, Abraham offering his Son Isaac, and another which I 
 don't know the subject ; all these are finely painted and designed in a Mic. Angelo like style, 
 Church of the Ferari, two Altar pieces by Titian, the one on wood, of the assumption of the 
 Virgin, finely painted, but the colouring is Ijccome quite lirown, 'tis compcsed in a sublime 
 manner. St. Marciliano, in the Sacristy Tobia & the Angel by Titian, has been a fine 
 picture, but is much damaged, the Angel fine character. School of St. Roch, on the Stairs 
 is a picture of the Annunciation, by Titian ; sweet idea of the Virgin. Jesuits Church, St. 
 Laurence's martyrdom, by Titian, the figure of the Saint is very grand, the picture is become 
 very dark, and I believe never had the effect of fire. Saw in Venice many pictures of Paul 
 Veronese & Tintoret. Left Venice the 19th, embarked for Padua, had a very aoreeable passage 
 
40 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 by water, the country is well ciilth'atecl and populous, along- the sides of the Canals and river 
 are a great number of handsome houses, which for miles ha\'e the effect of one town. We 
 arrived at Padua, which is 27 miles from Venice, about 7 o'clock the same evening. In the 
 sacristy of the Duomo at I'adua is a very fine IWadona & Child, by Titian, sweetly painted, 
 & in good preservation. The head of the Virgin is lovely, & the child is beautifully coloured 
 & painted with more than usual care. Saw several Buildings by Palladio, in very good taste. 
 In the antique Gothic Church, anciently called Maria IS'Iaggiore, now St. Antonio, here lies 
 the body of the great Saint in a very fine Altar, 'tis a fine Church with three or four Domes. 
 The great Saloon ' is a hundred & ten paces long, & eighty wide, the roof is of wood ot an 
 Eliptical form. There are great numbers of Giotto's pictures here. The Room has a noble 
 effect. Left Padua the 20th, at Mezzo Gioma set off for Vicenza. arrived there at night, 
 which is eighteen miles, the ne.xt morning set off for Verona, which is 30 miles, where we arrived 
 at night. At Verona is an .'\mphitheatre. not comparable to that of Rome, but more perfect, 
 havini' the seats of such part of the building as remains entire. In the center of it is erected 
 a wooden Theatre where they act by da)light. In the Church of St. George is a picture of 
 the martyrdom of that St., by Paulo Veronese, 'tis in good condition, but slightly painted, & 
 in other respects nothing extraordinary. The ne.xt morning left Verona & arrived at Mantua 
 at night, which is 25 miles, there's an ' Academy for Arts & Sciences lately built, elegant & 
 upon a good plan. Left Mantua on Sunda)', 23rd, got to Parma on Monday morning. Here 
 is the famous picture of Correggio. In St. Sepulchre is a Holy family, by Corrcggio, but 
 so indifferent I could scarce believe it his. The figure of Joseph is as poorly drawn and 
 the drapery as ill set as anything I ever saw, in short there's nothing good in the picture, 
 nor do I like Correggio in his great works ; his figures are but ill drawn, the heads appear 
 large and want character. Left Parma on Thursday morning, got to Piacentia that night, 
 which is 36 miles, it was here that Hannibal, after having passed the Alps for the first time 
 engaged the Romans. Lel't Piacentia the next morning. Got that night to Avougara, which 
 is V miles. The ne.xt, 29th July, dined at Allessandria. On the 30th at noon got to 
 Turin. 'Tis curious to be crying out with heat at the foot of the Alps, whose tops are 
 covered with snow. In the King's palace at Turino is a very large Collection of pictures, 
 •many of which are very fine. A man in armour on horseback, as large as life, by Vandicke, 
 very fine. The armour is of dark rich colour, full of beautiful reflections, & the lights most 
 spiritedly touched. By Ditto is a smallish picture of a Madona & Child, the heads very sweet, 
 but the Body & legs of the Child, not fine. A fine Head by Rembrant. Here are a great 
 number of Gerard Dow, very fine, among which is a composition of four or five figures of 
 the Doctor examining his patients. This picture is so wonderfully clear & brilliantly coloured, 
 so astonishingly finished, that it seems to me to be perfection in that style of painting. Several 
 charming pictures of Da. Teniers of Boors, and one piece of witchcraft or Incantation, all 
 delightfully painted with such sober clearness and touched with such truth and Spirit, that one's 
 pleased & surprized. I forgot to mention Van Dick's picture of King Charles' 3 children, which 
 is a capital one, the youngest has great relief without shadow, and such a sweet childish 
 expression as I never before saw. The composition is simple, unaffected, & fine, so is the light 
 
" WRIGHT OF DERBY." 41 
 
 & shadow, but the keeping is strong. The wliole is very harmonious and has great effect. 
 There is a reddish brown dog wonderfully painted, position fine, & accords charmingly with the 
 fine red drapery of the Boy by whom he stands. This drapery is finely painted the light lies on 
 the body & hips, & graduates very sensibly dow.iwards. The white sattin of the middle girl is 
 much kept down, the little girl is in blue sattin, with gauze linen ; several Landscapes by Botts 
 & Berghem, very fine. A small historical picture, by Rembrant, an old head in it, of a most 
 divine Character. Comondcar Genevi Gcnevos at Turin, has a very good Collection of pictures, 
 amongst which was a very fine half-length of a .St., by Guido, in his first manner, it is well 
 finished, at the same time spiritedly painted. The head has a fine character. Left Turin, which 
 is one of the most uniform & best built Cities 1 have ever been in, on the first of August. 
 Crossed the Alps in our way to Lyons, this country is truly sublime. At the foot of Mount 
 Sennis we left our Carriages and took Mules to go over the mountain. Tvlrs. W'right with 
 little Pop were carried in a chair by si.x men. We were three hours & half or 4 a.scending the 
 mountain, about two thirds of the way is pretty large plain, on which is a Lake about two miles 
 over, here the sight was tremendous, the mountains still rising to an incredible height, hiding 
 their lofty heads in the Clouds, which the winds now & then dissipating shewed partially their 
 hoary towering craggy tops, here it was very cold, and so it was all through Savoy. This 
 Country is mountainous & some parts picturesque. From thence to Lyons is a flat country." 
 
 There is no fiirther account of Wright's proceedings after crossing the .Alps on the 1st of 
 August, 1775. Wright, his wife, and child, arrived at his brother Richard's, at Derby, on 
 September 26th, 1775. 
 
 The litde Anna Romana was, with her cousin f (who was a month old on that day), 
 christened at St. Michael's Church, each lirother being godfather to the other's child, ;ind their 
 two sisters being godmothers to both. Little "Pop" was a lively, active child, and did not 
 approve of the proceedings, as she slajjped the clergyman in the fiice. 
 
 My own opinion as to the effect of Wright's visit to Italy is that it increased his 
 knowledge, widened his views of art, and enlarged his style ; but this is a very different one 
 from that expressed by the authors of " A Century of Painters." As this book has a position 
 of considerable authority, I think it riglit to state my total disagreement with what appears 
 to me the unjust opinion contained in the following e.xtract from Messrs. Redgrave's work : — 
 
 " In 1773 he married, and took that opportunity to visit Italy, where he remained two 
 years, studying, it is said, the works of the great masters, especially those of Michael Angelo, 
 from which he made many copies on a large scale. But howe\-er much the works in the 
 Sistine Chapel may have impres.scd him at the time, they had little inlluencc on his subsequent 
 practice." 
 
 The sketches here alluded to are thirty-si,\ in number, bound in vellum, with " Joseph 
 Wright, Rome, 1774," written on the side by himself. The book measures 20 x 13 inches; 
 
 * ArnLi Roinnna Wright, d.iiightcr of Jo-sepli .inrl Anne Wriglit. 
 f liiiiuiah Wiighl, d.aug!ULT of lik-liard and S.^iiih Wright. 
 
42 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 the drawings are ovitlined by the pen, and broad washes of Indian inl< effect the light and 
 shade of tlie drapery. They are done in a bold and masterly maimer, and con\-ey a very 
 good impression of the grandeur of the originals. There is a family tradition that Wright 
 injured his health by over-work when in Rome, and that, for greater ease when working 
 these drawings, he lay upon his back on the cold floor of the Sistine Chapel, and contracted 
 an affection of the liver, which, as years went on, caused him much pain, and prevented liim 
 from following his profession for months at a time. On comparing these sketches with various 
 of his pictures, the influence of Michael Angelo upon Wright, especially in design, is evident ; 
 and in other respects— such as his choice of subjects, and method of handling— his art changed 
 very mucii after his return from ItaK'. 
 
CONVERSATION PIECE. 
 
 Three CHiLDRh-N of Richard Arkwright, Klizabeth (afterwards marrikd to Francis 
 Hurt), John, and Joseph. 
 
 Original I'kliiyc in possession of Mr. F. C. Arhvrigit/. IVillnsley, Cromford, Derbyshire. 
 
I 
 
43 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Bishop and the Painter.— Settles at Bath. — Letter to his Sister 
 " Nancy." — Prices of Portraits. — Wright's Method of Making up his 
 Palette. — Returns to Derby. — Lodges with the Eleys. — Removes to St. 
 Helen's. — Wilson and Wright. — Anecdotes. 
 
 OON after Wright'.s return from Italy, an Irish Bishop* bespoke a 
 large picture of Vesuvius, and on passing through Derby called at 
 his painting rooms to look at it. The mountain anti burning 
 lava were nearly finished, but the loregrcund being onl\" laid in. 
 there wanted the bold dark parts to give effect to the brilliant 
 lights. On seeing it, the Bishop literally addressed him in the 
 language used by Hayley in the following lines, and in consequence 
 Wright would not allow him to have the picture, nor would he 
 ever sell it. It hung in his dining-room during his Hfe-time, and 
 is still in the possession of a member of his family. In the MS. list of Wright's paintings 
 it is entered "Vesuvius for Bp. Derry, ^105," but the indignant artist has dashed his pen 
 through the entry. 
 
 THE bishop and THE PAINTER. 
 
 A TRUE STOKV. 
 
 A Bishop who wished to he raiik'd with n. few 
 Who are cried up by fashion as men of vertii, 
 Most wisely conjectured 'l would aid his desire 
 To purchase from Wright a picture of fire ; 
 But his spirit more mean than his gusto was nice, 
 Tried a singular trick for reducing the price. 
 
 8 
 
 ' The Bishop of Derry. 
 
44 
 
 " WRIGHT OF DERB V. 
 
 And his bargain to make eiiher cheaper or void, 
 
 He thus preach'd to the artist his pride had employed- — 
 
 " Indeed, Mr. Wright, you mistake or neglect 
 
 "The true tint of fire and its proper effect; 
 
 " I wonder you think of employing your hand 
 
 " On a branch of your an that you don't understand." 
 
 "Hold, meanness and pride, the' you"re mantled in lawn, 
 Ye shall meet due contempt, and your masque be withdrawn, 
 You never shall wound, unrepaid with disgrace, 
 A Genius so modest, with insult so base. 
 You black dilletante I hence learn to your shame. 
 No mortal can give more expression to fiame ! 
 If in flashes more brilliant your eyes wish to dwell, 
 
 Your Lordship must go for your picture to ; 
 
 From the plan I propose, tho' not much to your heart, 
 
 I tliink there might rise some advantage to art ; 
 
 Your Lordship by going those flames to inspect, 
 
 Might learn more of fire and its proper effect, 
 
 And the devil, who often creates himself mirth 
 
 By caricaturing odd beings from earth, 
 
 Would find proper hints for his pencil to sketch 
 
 In a mitre bestow'd on so sordid a wretch." 
 
 Hayley intended these lines to be inserted in the newspapers, and sent them to Wright 
 for his approbation, who thought them so very severe that he objected to their being pubhshed, 
 and only showed them to a few of his most intimate friends. The original copy is now in 
 the possession of the writer. 
 
 Gainsborough having left Bath in 1 774, it was thought by Wright that there would be a 
 good opening for a portrait painter in that city, and accordingly in December of that year he 
 left Derby with his family. At Bath,* however, he met with but little patronage, as we learn 
 from the following extracts from letters : — 
 
 " Bath, Jan. 15, 1776. 
 
 ■' Since I wrote the within. Lady Ferrers has brought the Dutchess of Cumberland to 
 see my pictures, w"'' her Highness much approves of. Thro' Lady Ferrers' recommendation 
 her Highness will sit to me for a full length ; a good beginning this, tho' a late one, and 
 I hope will prove successful. I am glad the conclusion of my letter is better than the 
 beginning. 
 
 ■'JO. WRIGHT." 
 
 " Bath, 9th February, 1776. 
 " I have now past one season, the biggest of the two, without any advantage. The 
 Duchess of Cumberland is the only sitter I have had, and her order for a full length 
 dwindled to a head only, which has cost me so much anxiety, that I had rather have been 
 without it ; the great people are so fantastical and whining, they create a world of trouble, 
 tho' I have but the same fate as S' Jos. Reynolds, who has painted two pictures of her 
 Highness, and neither please. I am confident I have some enemies in this place, who 
 
 • From a nu-mo. :—" Entered Mrs. Sproule's House gtli Nov., 1775. My horse went to Wiird's Livety Stable 29th Dec, 1775.' 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 45 
 
 propagate a report that I paint fire-pieces admirably, but they never heard of my paintinw 
 portraits ; such a report as this was mentioned to her Royal Highness, after she had given 
 me the commission for a full length, as I was told by one of her domestics. 
 
 " This is a scheme of some artists here (who, to our shame be it said, .seldom behave 
 liberally to one another) to work me out, and certainly it proves at present very injurious to 
 me, and I know not whether it will be worth my while (considering how little business is 
 done here, and has been done these four or five years past) to stay to confute 'em. I have 
 heard from London, and by several gentlemen here, that the want of business was the reason 
 of Gainsborough's leaving Bath. Wou'd I had but known this sooner, for I much repent 
 coming here. The want of encouragement of the Arts, I fear, is not only felt here but in 
 Town also, and artists are become so numerous that the share which falls to each is small. 
 I wish I had tried London first, and if it had not suited me, I would then have retired to 
 my native place, where, tho' upon smaller gains, I could have lived free from the strife and 
 envy of illiberal and mean-spirited artists. What I have seen since I have been here has so 
 wounded my feelings, so disturbed my peace, as to injure my health, but I will endeavour to 
 shake it off 
 
 ■'JO. WRIGHT." 
 " Bath, Ap. 15th, 76. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " I have sent my two pictures * to the E.xhibition, w here I hope they will meet 
 with as much approbation as they have here, and better success with regard to the sale of 
 them, or 1 shall be run aground with this year's expenses. I have only painted 4 heads yet ; 
 the prejudice still runs high against me. \ am now painting a half-length of Dr. Wilson & 
 his adopted daughter. Miss RLacauley ; this is for reputation only, but you must not say so. 
 1 he Doctor is a very popular man, and is fighting in my cause stoutly, for he thinks me 
 ill-treated ; he wishes he had known of my being in Bath five or si.x months ago, he could 
 have been of use to me before now, and I wonder my friend Coltman (if he knew) did not 
 mention him to me ; indeed, if I stay I shall have need of all the friends I can make. I 
 know not wdiat to think of it, sometimes revenge spirits me up to stay and endeavour to 
 triumph over my enemies ; at other times more peaceful reflections take place, & I am for 
 retiring to pursue my old walk of painting. I ha\'e some intention of coming to Derby, with 
 your leave, to paint the sea engagement, at the time when Bath is deserted by almost all, 
 but will say more of this in my ne.xt. 
 
 ••JO. WRIGHT." 
 "Bath, Ap. 30th, 1776. 
 
 " To Mr. Wright, Surgeon, Derby. 
 
 " • • ■ • From the month of June till the latter end of September there is no 
 company in Bath. I intend to follow the fashion this year and go to Derby, & it will 
 
 * No. 147 in Catalogue of Society of Artists, 1776 — "An Eruption tjf iVIount Vesuvius." 
 
 >■ '4S „ „ „ „ "The Annual Girandoio at the Castle of St. Angelo at Rome." 
 
46 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 give me an opportunity (if the old room is disengaged) of painting the sea-piece, or some 
 blacksmith's shop which will bring company to my rooms next season, for there is some 
 advantage arising from their seeing only ; there has been given at the doors £22 already, 
 w'"" more than pays a qrs. rent. 
 
 Litde Pop is well, talks a little English, a litde Italian, and a little French. 
 
 ■'JO. WRIGHT." 
 
 Bath, May Sth, 1 776. 
 
 " Dr. Brother, 
 
 " The season is almost over here, and there is but little company in town, 
 therefore have but little reason to expect any more sitters. Have in hand a small full-length 
 
 of Mr. Miles, brother to Capt. Miles I painted at Derby some time ago. He is now in 
 Town, but will be here, I expect, in a day or two to have his picture finished ; a day will 
 compleat it, and if I have nothing more to do, shall leave Bath in a fortnight or thereabout. 
 
 I shall go round by London if the Exhibitions are open at the time 
 
 ■• There has been oflered for my picture of the Girandolo a 100 guineas, but the man 
 who is appointed in the room for the transacting the business knows neither his name, place 
 of abode, or anything about him, thro' which carelessness I shall in all probability lose the 
 selling of my picture. If 1 do, 1 will never exhibit with them more. 
 
 " I am yours, 
 
 JO. WRIGHT." 
 
IV RIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 47 
 
 Mr. Wright, Surgeon, Derby. 
 
 "Bath, March gth, 1777. 
 
 " De.\r Brother, 
 
 " From the cast of that part of your letter vv''" relates to these rascally watermen, 
 1 plainly perceive they do not intend making me restitution. I think if Tvl'- Fallows would write 
 them a letter telling them that I should not trouble myself any farther about the matter, but had 
 desired him to inform 'em of the damage done mc, vv='' if they did not immediately redress, to 
 prosecute them, and advertize the affair in such papers as may most afiect them. The threatening 
 them wdth a prosecution, tho' I don't intend to throw away more money, may be of use, but 
 advertize them I certainly will. Give my compliments to M'- Fallows and tell him, as 1 spent 
 a day over his picture, he will, I doubt not, do me this favour. The carrier that brought my 
 things from Bristol is esteemed an honest man, he was present when the goods were weighed, that 
 their weight was 3 cw-t., what they were at other places he has no account. I am confident the 
 theft had been committed some time ere the things were delivered, from this circumstance : I had 
 occasion to pack in the hamper a piece of armour, w* 1 had some trouble with on account of 
 the fulness of the hamper, and could manage it no way but by putting it with the concave side 
 upwards down by the side of the hamper. This I w^ell remember, and I\T- I laden will too. 
 When I unpacked the hamper the armour was in the middle of it, with the concave side 
 upwards, and the hay where it lay fresh and green, an appearance you must have observed 
 when anything has lain long and undisturbed upon hay. From hence, I doubt not, the mischief 
 was done in the beginning of the voyage. But it matters not, I shall look to those people to 
 whom the goods were first committed, let them seek further, pray don't trifie with them, that 
 the affair may be made public while recent. The account of the things taken, w='' upon proving 
 the bottles, I find very different to that 1 sent before. 
 
 Eight bottles of old rum, at 13s. per gallon 
 
 F'our do. Brandy, do. 
 
 Two of Shrub . . . _ 
 
 Ten bottles of wine - - - - 
 
 Twenty-three bottles - - - - 
 
 A Cheese 17 lbs. weight, at 4d. per lb. 
 
 Basket for ditto _ . . _ 
 
 "N.B. — One of my bottles was returned unto y' hamper filled with water. Sent from Derby 
 146 bottles, received at Bath 22 bottles. 
 
 "You have heard the melancholy account of my good friend Hurleston's death. 'Tis a loss 
 indeed to me, he was ever read)' to serve me. I ne\-er heard his Asthmatic complaint was so 
 bad as to endanger his life, it used in the thick winter weather to be troublesome ; perhaps the 
 fall he got last year, of w"'" he complained at your hou.se, hastened his end. Peace to his soul. 
 Since M^- Ward is dead, we are happy Miss Ward did not regard our importuning her to stay 
 
 I 6 o 
 o 13 o 
 076 
 o 16 8 
 
 o 4 9i 
 o 5 S 
 004 
 
 3 13 
 
48 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 here, pray make our compliments to her and all friends. My little boy and girl are well. Jo 
 is about his teeith and cross at times. We expect to see his fourth every day. He has drove 
 about his creed, sometimes furiously, & can walk 4 or 5 yards with a slack dade. He grows very 
 strong & handsome. His nurse, to whom give our service, would be proud to see him. Pop is 
 an engaging little girl, everybody that knows her loves her .... I have a sitter, the first 
 this year, but. thank heavens, I have other employment w'^'' I will tell you of in my next. 
 
 " I am yours, 
 
 "JO. WRIGHT." 
 
 There is no date or address to the following playful letter from Wright to his sister 
 Nancy, but judging from its contents, it was written from Bath about 1775-6, as the second 
 picture of the "Smith's Shop" was exhibited in the former year: — 
 
 "'What can this lazy, idle, good-for-nothing brother of mine be about?' 'Why, writing 
 to you, if you'll only be civil, and not abuse mc at this rate. I am not idle, I assure you, 
 nor lazy, nor good-for-nothing, tho' I am sorry to say it myself; but that is because here is 
 no one to say it for me, or I assure you, if I thought it worth convincing you, I could 
 find vouchers enough. Are you satisfied. Miss Nancy? am I good for nothing or something?' 
 'Oh! quite satisfied my dear Bro' that you are good for something — nay, for that matter 
 very good.' ' Well, now, that is prettily said, and as becomes you ; faith, you wou'd always 
 talk in that manner, if you knew what charms it difiused o'er your countenance. I think 
 that prettily said, too, & now I am even with you. I hate compliments ; but to dispel a 
 lady's frowns, & get out of the gloom, I would swear, lie, compliment, or do anything. 
 Now we have shook hands, & arc upon a good footing again, I must tell you I have had 
 very good heaUh of late, & have made too much use of it ; have worked very hard, have 
 finished my Smith's Shop — 'tis as good or better than the last. Have upon the Stocks the 
 young Nobleman, whose avarice caused him to break open the Tomb of his ancestors, in 
 hopes of finding vast treasures, from an inscription there was upon it — " In this tomb is a 
 greater treasure than Crcesus possessed." This, I think, will be a favourite picture. Burdett's 
 tour to France pro\-es highly advantageous to him. He is to etch plates for Wedgewood & 
 Bendey to be printed upon their ware— an employ that in all probability will last him for life— 
 by which he will or may make four or six hundred a year. I know your honest heart will 
 make j'our pulse beat high at the news.' " 
 
 Farrington tells us that while Reynolds resided in St. Martin's Lane, his prices for 
 portraits were — three-quarters, ten guineas ; half length, twenty guineas ; whole length, forty 
 guineas. Those of his master, Hudson, were rather higher, and were soon adopted by him. 
 About four or five years later, both raised their prices to fifteen, thirty, and sixty guineas for 
 the three classes of portraits respectively.""' 
 
 * Redgrave's Century of Painters. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 49 
 
 Wright's prices in 1754, when he was twenty years of age, were for three-quarters, six 
 
 guineas; half length, twelve guineas; and full length, twenty-six guineas. In 1760 we find 
 
 them raised respectively to ten, twenty-one, forty, and sixty guineas. Later in life they were 
 still further advanced to 90 and 1 20 guineas for full lengths. 
 
 It has often been lamented that artists did not more frequently leave behind them a 
 record of their method of working, and the arrangement of their palette, for the benefit of 
 their brethren who follow them, so that after a lapse of time the good results from their 
 method of working might be followed, and their failures, by the use of certain pigments, be 
 avoided. We are enabled to transcribe from Wright's MS. note-book the arrangement of his 
 palette. As the present state of his paintings, where they have not been "restored," is 
 generally very good, after the lapse of a century, with the e.iiception here and there of a 
 change of tone not intended by the artist, his "palette" may be worth the attention of art 
 students. 
 
 The contents of y' pallet : — 
 
 First Row. 
 
 1. Verm, teint - - - Verm. & White. 
 
 2. Verm. 
 
 3. Carmine teint - - Lake & Verm. 
 
 4. Carmine.* 
 
 5. Lake.* 
 
 6. Brown Pink.* 
 
 7. Dark shade to flesh - B'- Oker, B'- Lake, Terraceum Bl. 
 
 8. Half Shade - - - Dark shade Naples Yell"- & a litde White. 
 
 Quariei- S/iade. 
 
 9. Olive teint - - - Half Shade Naples Yell"- & blue teint. 
 
 10. Blue teint - - - Ultramarine, Prussian, & White. 
 
 11. Purple - - - - Lake azure. 
 
 12. Dark shade - - - Indian Red & Black. 
 
 13. Burnt Umber. 
 
 14. Black.* 
 
 Tlie colours marked thus * need not be laid y' first painting. 
 
 Second Row. 
 
 1. Rose teint - - ~ y' Carmine teint & white. 
 
 2. Lake teint - - - Lake & white. 
 
 3. Indian Red teint - - Indian Red & white. 
 
 4. Light Red. 
 
50 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 5. L. red teint - - L. red & white. 
 
 6. Do. lighter - - do. 
 
 7. Complexion teint - - Nap"' yell"- & white. 
 
 8. High lights - - - do. very light. 
 
 9. Naples yellow. 
 10. Light Oker. 
 
 In the same MS. book, on the first page, is the following record of the palette of 
 another artist, and it is probable that Wright may have u.scd it in his early works: — 
 
 " Mr. Plielpss ivay of making a Pallet. 
 
 " First lav on Naples yellow, light oker, brown oker, Roman oker, Indian Red, lake, 
 brown pink. Ivory black, & Prussian blue. 
 
 " In the light part of the face use Naples yellow, light oker, white, vermillion, and a 
 very little lake. Obs' that Naples yellow must be tempered with an ivory pallet knife. For 
 crreenish shadows in the face, use Naples yellow, Brown pink, lake, & a little black. 
 
 '■ As blue black is a colour that will not stand, the following colours are the same when 
 mixt together :— Ivory black, Prussian blue, & a litrie white. So for Coleus earth, use ivory 
 black, Roman oker, brown pink, & a little lake." 
 
 Wri£,'ht often used a twilled canvas for his portraits, and sometimes for his landscapes. 
 He mostly painted very thinly, and it is perhaps partly in consequence of this practice that 
 his pictures have stood the test of time better than those of many contemporary artists. He 
 but seldom signed his paintings ; when he did, he generally gave the initials, " I. W., pmxit," 
 and the dates. 
 
 His early portraits partake very much of the hard handling and stiff style of Hudson, 
 his master ; but as time elapsed and experience was gained, he adopted more pleasing and 
 original treatment. 
 
 In the early part of this century, an artist, Rawlinson by name, who resided at Matlock 
 Bath, copied some of Wright's pictures with some success. 
 
 On Oct. 6th, 1777, Wright and his family returned to Derby from Bath, and went to 
 lodge at Mr. Eley's, which was opposite to his brother Richard's house, where he still continued 
 to paint. There he lived very happily and cheerfully, being constantly emplo)-ed in the 
 evening. When not in the painting rooms he would read, draw, play upon the llute, or romp 
 with his children ; he was so pleasant and accommodating to all the family, that though the 
 Eleys were at first unwilling to receive him, they quite lamented when he left. 
 
 In the spring of 1779, Wright removed to St. Helen's House. This house was built by 
 the Fitzherberts, upon the same plan, and apparenriy by the same architect, as Somersal Hall, 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 51 
 
 Staffordshire. Alleyne Fitzherbert, who was created Baron St. Helen's in iSoi, was born in this 
 house, and from it toolc his tide. The ground formerly belonged to the Abbey of St. Helen, and 
 on the old house being taken down, a skeleton and numerous bones were found under the 
 foundations, which lead to the supposition that it was the burial ground of the Abbey ; its site 
 is at the present time occupied by part of St. Helen's Street, and Messrs. Hall's Marble Works. 
 The present St. Helen's, now the Grammar School, is on the opiposite side of King Street, 
 and was built by — Gisborne, Esq. The comparati\'el\' retired situation of this old house on 
 the outskirts of the town, suited Wright. It had a large court before it, and the sitting rooms 
 looked into the gardens, which were large. Wright always encouraged his cliildren in the 
 enjoyment of active amusements, as being conducive to health. " The broad gravel w,dk, the 
 length of the largest garden," writes his niece, " was a famous place for playing at b.ill, baseball, 
 ^c, in which his nieces used to join with delight, there being no fear of an\' injur)- being done. 
 1 he old house was well calculated for all sorts of games ; from the rooms opening into each 
 other and into different passages, no place could be better for hide and seek, and the large hall 
 for blind-man'sdjuff, and games that required space. Swinging was likewise a great pleasure. 
 I here was not any part of the house in which they might not play, and they could even whip 
 tops in the room where the pictures were arranged all round, and upon the lloor." 
 
 W right would allow them to play in his painting room when he was not employed, and his 
 niece does not remember him being afraid of anything being damaged, e.-vcept when he was 
 painting the portrait of Sir Richard Arkwright, in which the machine he constructed for spinning 
 cotton was introduced ; then he would not allow anyone to go near the table lest it should 
 lie injiu'etl. 
 
 The painting rooms at St. Helen's House were not .so convenient as those at his brother's. 
 Dr. Wright's, in the Iron Gate, where one room opened into the other, so that by darkening 
 the one room he could introduce the proper light and subject he intended to paint, and view 
 them to advantage from the other room. His mechanical genius, however, enabled him to con^ 
 struct an apparatus for painting candle-light pieces and effects of firedight. It consisted of a 
 Irameu'ork of wood resembling a large folding screen, which reached to the top of the room, 
 the two ends being placed against the wall, which formed two sides of the enclosure. Each fold 
 was divided into compartments, forming a framework covered with black jraper, and opening with 
 
52 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 hinges, so that when the object he was painting from was placed within with the proper Hght, 
 the artist could view it from various points from without. 
 
 In a note to a poem on the Chauntry I-^ouse, Newark, by the Rev. H. N. Bousfield, B.A., 
 the following anecdote occurs : — 
 
 '' The Banqueting, or Dining Room of the Chauntry, contains a strong, but delicately handled, 
 lengthened portrait of the kite Joseph Sikes, Esq., by the celebrated Mr. Wright, of St. Helen's, 
 in Derby, the ancient residence of Mr. Sikes's family, at an early period of whose minority that 
 venerable edifice was, to his deep regret, taken down, and which contained, among other charac- 
 teristics of "Olden Times," a compact Chapel, part of which had a curiously wrought cedar 
 wainscot. A remarkable proof of the success of the artist in giving to ' canvas face and figure,' 
 was afforded by a favourite little terrier dog of the late Mr. Sikes's unconsciously accompanying 
 him into the apartment at St. Helen's, upon the Jloor of which, in a very unfinished state, were 
 arranged, with many others, this Portrait and that of his first Lady, the delightful sagacity of 
 that interesting class of animals quickly displaying itself by an attentive survey of the picture, 
 and by the most lively emotions of gratification, to the extent even of actually licking 
 the canvas. The alarm and astonishment, however, so naturally felt by Mr. Sikes from 
 this honest though uncourteous intruder, was strongly reproved by Mr. Wright, as the most 
 unprecedented and unflattering respect he could have received ; adding, that if the finish of the 
 painting was as perfect as the compliment cT the dog, his highest ambition must be exceeded, 
 and if anyone took the trouble to write his life, that anecdote would necessarily form a prominent 
 place. It has been apdy observed, that it more than rivals the celebrated and well-known 
 story of Alexander and Apelles." 
 
 This dog was not singular in paying such an unintentional compliment to the artist, as the 
 following authenticated anecdote shows: — "In October, 17S2, Mr. Wright was engaged painting 
 the portrait of a young gentleman named Carleill, and to try the effect in a strong light, 
 the picture was placed on the floor, with its back resting against the legs of a chair, when a 
 favourite greyhound, belonging to the family, coming into the room, bounded up to the picture 
 and began to lick the face. Hereupon Mrs. Carleill, who was present, apologised to the artist 
 for the animal's misbcha\-iour, but Wright, shaking hands with her, exclaimed, ' Oh ! Mrs. 
 Carleill, I freely forgive the dog the injury he has done to the painting for the compliment 
 lie has paid me.'" Nor were human beings exempt from similar deceptions. It is related that 
 Mrs. More wood, of Alireton Hall, went with her friend, Mr. Holland, of Ford House, to see 
 some paintings at Wright's rooms ; when looking at the portraits of the three children of Mr. 
 Walter Synnott, grouped in the act of letting a dove fly from a wickerwork birdcage which was 
 introduced in the foreground, she desired Mr. Holland would remove the birdcage, as it 
 obstructed her view of the lower part of the picture ; it is almost needless to add that the 
 cage was painted and not of wickerwork, and that Wright thanked the lady for the compliment 
 she had thus unconsciously paid him. At another time, a man who had occasion to enter the 
 painting-room when the picture of the Old Man and his Ass (from Sterne) stood upon the 
 floor, tried to kick away the saddle, so as to obtain a better view of the picture. And 
 
ware I IT OF DERBY. 
 
 53 
 
 on another occasion, it is said, a gentleman on entering the room, bowed to tlie fulhlcngth 
 portrait of the late l\Ir. Charles Hurt, of Wirl;svvorth, which was phiced near the fire to dry, 
 thinking it was ]\Ir. Hurt himself who was in the room. 
 
 With reference to his art-enemies alluded to in the early part of this chapter, it is a 
 pleasant task to record the following pleasing anecdote of Wilson, to show that artists may 
 be " great yet amicable rivals " : — 
 
 " Wilson was liberal to his brother artists, and reverenced the powers of Wright, of 
 Derby, highly, with whom he was intimate. The latter artist esteemed highly the abilities of 
 Wilson, and when he was in London, rarely failed to visit his great but amicable rival. In 
 conversing familiariy one day upon the subject of their art, Wright proposed to exchange one 
 of his pictures for one of Wilson's ; the latter assented with the easy consciousness of his 
 particular excellence, as distinguished from the particular excellence of his friend : ' With all 
 my heart, Wright ; I'll give you air, and you'll give me fire.' It is known that in aerial 
 effect Wilson considered himself above every ri\-al ; and the proposal of Wright ma\' be 
 supposed to imply, on his part, an ingenuous acknowdedgment of Wilson's superiority in this 
 particular. I have never heard that Wilson imitated Wright, but we know that Wright 
 avowedly imitated Wilson, and, in such instances, reached his glow and aerial effect to 
 admiration." * 
 
 i\Ir. Holland, an intimate friend of Wright, and afterwards one of his executors, wrote 
 the following intelligible but somewhat incoherent note on the margin of a catalogue of 
 Wright's paintings exhibited in London : — 
 
 " Richard Wilson is certainly the first in Landscape (1767). Joseph Wright should not 
 be called second, because in a procession I would hai-e them pair, and go hand-indiand ; and 
 were there two right hand sides, they should both, from their excellence, have them. But 
 this onh- in Landscape Procession. Wilson's forte w'as only Landscape : look forward to the 
 variety of the latter, in all of which he excelled 1 and in an academy he should have not only 
 one of the foremost, but a distinguished l)ench to himself" 
 
 Another brother artist who became a patron of Wright's was Bacon the Sculptor, who 
 purchased a small Vesuvius, which was exhibited at the Great Piazza, London, and afterwards 
 engraved by Byrne. 
 
 The following anecdotes and notes, though not relevant to Wright's remarkable imitative 
 power, may as well find a place at the end of this chapter. 
 
 The Curator of the Derby Art Gallery tells a good tale of a north Derbyshire farmer's 
 visit to the Gallery when the Wright Collection was being exhibited in 1883. The farmer 
 and his wife were standing before the picture of a boy blowing a bladder ; he was saying to 
 his spouse in the Derbyshire dialect, " Ah tell yer t'blither iz put behind t'picter, that'ns a 
 
 * I-ife of Kicliaril W ilson. 
 
54 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 raid blither." The wife replied that it was only a painted bladder. He then turned round 
 and appealed to the Curator, who had just entered the gallery, who assured him that the bladder 
 was painted upon the canvas, whereupon the farmer becaine most indignant, and replied, 
 " Doan't ver think 1 knows a Ijlither when ah seez un ? " 
 
 On one occasion, Wright was ve.-ced with a sitter so capricious and unreasonable, that his 
 fiatience and ingenuity were sorely taxed. She came to her second sitting in a different dress 
 to that she had worn at the first, and desired the painter to represent her as she then appeared. 
 
 Wright altered the picture to suit her whim. To his surprise and annoyance, when she ne.xt 
 made her appearance, it was in a third dress. Again the pliant artist obliged her. When, 
 however, she appeared in a fourth dress, Wright could stand it no longer, and flady refused to 
 make any further alteration. The lady replied in a threat to leave the portrait on his hands. 
 ■■ Madam," retorted the painter, " I do not wish you to have the painting, 1 shall put it into 
 the first auction .sale, and it will fetch more than I was about to charge you." This had the 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 55 
 
 desired result ; the picture was tal-;en, but the drapery was painted over by another artist, named 
 Barber, to suit the caprice of the lady. 
 
 A lady who was about to sit to Mr. Wright, was told by her friends that Mr. 
 
 Wriyht would arrange her hair, &c. She, to enable him to carry this into effect, spread out 
 
 upon the table a large assortment of brushes, combs, pomades, bandoline, &c., much to the 
 astonishment and amusement of the artist. 
 
 A sitter, a lady, who, though possessed of a fine figure, and good arms and ankles, had 
 but an indifferent face, puzzled Mr. Wright as to the position in which he should place her. 
 After some thought he chose to paint her extending her beautiful bare arm towards a branch 
 of a hawthorn tree. Showing only sufficient of the lady's face to be recognisable, he brought 
 the full contour of her handsome figure into view, with one pretty foot and ankle peeping 
 out from under her dress, and thus produced what was at once a good portrait and pleasing 
 picture. 
 
 From the foregoing description, it is most probable that the following advertisement which 
 appeared in the "Times" newspaper of July 25th, 1871. refers to the same picture, and that 
 Mrs. Woodville was the sitter. 
 
 TO PICTURE DEALERS ;& OTHERS. 
 
 FIFTY POUNDS REWARD. 
 
 THE above reward will be paid for the Portrait in 
 Oil of the late Mrs. Woodville, by Wright, of Derby. 
 The size \?. about 7 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 6 inches. She is 
 attired in white, and represented as climbing up a bank to 
 gather hawthorne. Her feet and ankles are displayed, and 
 her shoes ornamented with garnet buckles. The picture is 
 believed never to have been framed, and from being con- 
 stantly rolled up to be considerably cracked. 
 
 —Apply to Messrs. SIMPSON & NORTH, 
 
 Solicitors, I, Riimford Street, 
 
 IJverpooI. 
 
 Upon further enquiry I fmd that Major Orred, of Tranmerc and W'eston, Cheshire, caused 
 the reward to be offered, and succeeded in finding the portrait at a Chemist's, in Liverpool, 
 but it was unfortunately mutilated by being cut down from whole length to " Kit-cat." 
 
 In " Mozley's Reminiscences," p. 65, the following allusion is made to Wright : — ■ 
 
 " There are men who arc interesting from their associations, but whom no associations can 
 redeem. Such was Joseph Pickford. I first became acquainted with his figure and circumstances at 
 Derby, in 1S15. His father had been an architect and builder, and the intimate friend of Wright 
 the painter, remarkable for his illustrations of the varieties of light and their effects ; and also of 
 
56 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 Whitehurst, a mechanician and author of a 'Theory of the Earth.' It was a coterie con- 
 temporaneous and on friendly terms with the Philosophical Society, founded by Erasmus Darwin, 
 but with a cHffcrent caste, for philosophers are, socially, as exclusive as other people. The father 
 had built in the Friar Gate a house of some architectural pretensions, his cJicf dwuvre^ people 
 said. The sons had divided it. He occupied the smaller portion, entered by a side door, much 
 as it had come from the builder's hands. The only pretty thing in his sitting room was a 
 charming picture by Wright, of Pickford and his brother playing with a spaniel, of the date 
 1 775, I should think, and in the gay costume of that period. It passed into the hands of a 
 branch of the Curzon family. \\'hen I called on Pickford it was a caution to see what a 
 beautiful child might come to." 
 
 Woodward (G. W^. ), the Caricaturist (himself a Derbyshire man), says in his " Eccentric 
 Excursions," " It would be unpardonable to leave Derby without noticing the celebrated artist, 
 Mr. W^rif^ht, who has resided several years in a house * facing the New I nn, overgrown with 
 ivy, which, together with its high walls, proclaims an habitation sacred to study and retirement. 
 The result of his labours are always open to the inspection of the stranger, an indulgence 
 characteristic of this gentleman's well-known affability; and those who depart unpleased after viewing 
 his Moon and Candle-h'ght pieces, and other inimitable specimens of his pencil, must indeed be 
 void of taste and judgment in the imitative arts." 
 
 In Wright's account-book is the following entry : — " An account of the Trees in Windmill 
 pit close in the year 1 7S3, when eight trees on Shaw's side, six on the Normanton lane, and 
 ten on the road side, in all 24 trees." PVom this entry we learn that the historical 
 '■ Windmill Pit " f close (whL-re joan Waste | was burnt at the stake in 1556) at that time 
 belonged to Wright, and that he planted the trees which adorned that once pretty spot, but 
 which have had to fall before the march of the mason and bricklayer. The annual rent of 
 the close at that date was ^20. 
 
 ' Sl. Helen's. 
 
 t Ilutton, in his " Hislory of Derby," snys~" 1601. A woman Inirnt in Windniill Pit, for iioisoniiig her husband." From this it appears 
 it was the usual place of execution for criminals for many years. 
 
 X Joan Waste, blind from her birth, the daughter of a poor barber, in the parish of All Hallowes {All Saints'), ivas, at the age of 22, burnt as 
 a heretic in Windmill Pit, just outside the town. She was a godly woman, learned in the Holy Scriptures, which she was diligent in gelling read 
 to her, and condemned for denying traiisulistantiation, and after being taken to All Saints' Church to hear a sermon on herself, she was hiiriil on 
 the first of August, 1556. 
 
lii/ picture- hi Ihd possession of Miss OiiU. 
 
57 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Wright's Secession from Tiiri Royai. Academy.— J. L. Philips.— The 
 Messrs. Redgrave's Criticis.ms ox the Secession and upon Wright's Works. 
 — Havlev's PoitJi.— Anthony Pasqltn.— Letters fro.m ^VRIGHT to J. L. Philips. 
 —The "Air Pu.mp " Picture. 
 
 NOW propose to deal with the uncommon instance of nn artist 
 who, after having accepted the Associateship, refused the full 
 honours of the Royal Academy. In November of i-Si, Writ;ht was 
 elected an Associate, and in February, 1784, a full member of the 
 .Academy, but for some reason or other he declined to become an 
 Academician. Much has been written upon this subject, and very 
 different conclusions have been arrived at. 
 
 One of his most intimate friends, J. Leigh Philips, 
 possessed considerable artistic judgment, wrote in 1797 — the 
 after Wright's death— the following account of Wright's treatment by the Royal Academy, 
 
 who 
 year 
 and 
 
 there is no doubt but that he was well acquainted with all the circumstances of the case :— 
 
 " His portraits are mosdy confined to the immediate neighbourhood of Derby ; this remark 
 may likewise in a great degree extend to the generality of his works, as but few of his late 
 pictures have been publicly exhibited, owing to their being frequently disposed of even before 
 finished, and to a repugnance which he felt at sending his works to an e.xhibition where he 
 had too much cau.se to complain of their being improperly placed, and sometimes even upon 
 the ground, that, if possible, they might escape the puljlic eye. As a proof of the truth of 
 this remark, the last pictures he e.xhibited were placed upon the s:mind. In consequence of 
 which they were so much injured by the feet of the company, as to render it necessary to 
 have the frames repaired and re-gilded. This narrow jealousy, added to tlie circumstance of 
 his being rejected as an R.A. at the time j\Ir. Garvey was a successful candidate, did not 
 
58 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 tend to increase his opinion of the liberality of his brethren in the profession. The Academy, 
 however, being afterwards made aware of the impropriety of thus insulting a man of his 
 abilities, deputed their Secretary, Newton, to Derby, to solicit his acceptance of a diploma, 
 which he indignantly rejected, knowing how little the institution could serve him, and feeling 
 perhaps a satisfaction that his Iriend Mortimer and himself were both deemed equally unqualified 
 to enjoy the honours attached to that Royal establishment." 
 
 The Messrs. Redgrave, in their " Century of Painters," " take exception to this account of 
 the treatment of Wright by the Academy," and say, "We are inclined to discount the whole 
 of the tale " upon the grounds that " we have searched the records of the Academy to learn 
 the facts connected with Wright's retirement." It was a safe place to search for what was 
 sure not to be found, if Mr. Philips' account were true. 
 
 .•Xgainst the authors of the " Century of Painters " are arrayed the writers and poets of 
 the day, who took up the case when the circumstances were well known. If Wright felt 
 aggrieved, he had a jierfect right to decline the honour ; and it appears to me that the story 
 as told by Mr. Philips has more claim to credence than the opinions of writers a century 
 later, founded upon such purely negative evidence. 
 
 The Messrs. Redgrave also state that " he then (when offered the full diploma) refused 
 to comply with the law of the Academy, which requires a member to present one of his 
 works to the Academy before receiving his diploma, and required his name to bo removed 
 from the list of Associates." .'^s W'right declined the proffered honour, it was not necessary 
 for him to "comply with the law of the Academy, and present one of his works." The 
 refusal was consequent upon his retirement, but there is nothing to show that it caused it. 
 
 Again, Mr. S. Redgrave, in his "Dictionary of Artists," states— " On the foundation ol 
 the Academy he had entered as a student, and in 17S1 he was elected an Associate; his 
 election as a full member followed in 1 7S4. But we are told that, annoyed by another having 
 been elected before him, he retired altogether from the Academy. The facts, however, do not 
 bear out this statement, and it appears more probable that the nervous, irrit.able, ailing painter, 
 setded quiedy so far from the Metropolis, was afraid of the duties and responsibilities which 
 his membership would entail." It will be seen that Mr. S. Redgrave omits to state the 
 "facts" to which he refers. 
 
 The retirement of Wright from the Academy induced Hayley, the Poet, to write the 
 followino- Ode, with a view to " Guard him from meek depression's chill controul " ; — 
 
 ODE TO JOSEPH WRIGHT, ESQ., OF DERBY." 
 
 '• Away ! ye sweet, but trivial forms. 
 That from the placid pencil rise. 
 When playful Art the Landscape warms 
 Witli Italy's unclouded skies ! 
 
 • Chicln:ster ; Printed by Dennett Jaques. 1783. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 59 
 
 Stay, vanity ! nor yet demand 
 
 Thy portrait from the painter's hand ! 
 
 Nor ask thou, Indolence, lo aid thy dream, 
 
 The soft illusion of the mimic stream, 
 
 That twinkles to tliy siglit with Cynthia's trembling beam ! 
 
 Be thine, my Friend, a nobler task ! 
 . Beside thy vacant Easel see 
 Guests, who, witli claims superior, ;isk 
 New miracles of art from tliee : 
 Valour, who mocks unequal strife, 
 And Clemency, whose smile is life ! 
 ' JVright ! let thy skill (this radiant pair exclaim) 
 'Give to our view our favourite scene of Fame. 
 ' U'liere Britain's genius blazed in glory's brightest i'lame.' 
 
 Ccelestial ministers ! ye speak 
 
 To no dull agent sloth opprest ; 
 
 Who coldly hears, in spirit weak, 
 
 Heroic Virtue's high behest : 
 
 Behold, tho' envy strives to foil 
 
 The Artist bent on public toil, 
 
 Dehold ! liis Flames teriffic lustre shed ; 
 
 His naval Blaze moimts from his billowy bed ; 
 
 And Calpe t proudly rears his war illumined head. 
 
 In gorgeous Pomp for ever shine 
 
 Bright monument of Britain's force ! 
 
 Though doomed lo feel her fame decline 
 
 In iU-starr'd war's o'erwhelming course ; 
 
 Though Europe's envious realms unite 
 
 To crush her in unequal Fight, 
 
 Her Genius, deeply stung with generous shame, 
 
 On this exalting Rock arrayed in flame, 
 
 Equals her ancient feats, and vindicates her name. 
 
 How fiercely British valour pours 
 
 The deluge of destructive Fire, 
 
 Which o'er that watery Babel roars, 
 
 Bidding the baffled Host retire, 
 
 And leave their fallen, to yield their breath 
 
 In different pangs of double death ! 
 
 Ye shall not perish : No ! ye hapless brave. 
 
 Reckless of peril thro' the fiery wave. 
 
 See ! BriUsh Mercy steers, each prostrate foe to save. 
 
 Ye gallant chiefs whose deeds proclaim 
 
 The genuine Hero's feeling soul, 
 
 Eliiottj; and Curtis, || with whose name 
 
 Honour enriched his radiant roll : 
 
 Blest is your fate ! nor blest alone, 
 
 That rescued Foes your virtues own, 
 
 That Britain triumphs in your filial worth ; 
 
 Blest in the period of your glory's birth, 
 
 When Art can hid it live to decorate the Earth ! 
 
 • Cyifhia—'rja.mc as Diana, who by some is supposed to have presided over the moon. So called fnmi her havini,' liCL^n horn at Cynlhus. 
 
 t Calpe, Mount — Synonymous with Gitir.iltar. 
 X Elliott, Gcnein!, was appointed lu the command of Gibraltar in 1776, and defended it ai the siege in 17S v !ii 17S7 he was created 
 Lord Healhfield, Haron Gibraltar. 
 
 II Curtis, Captain Rodger, of the Marine Brigade, afterwards knighted fur his gallant conchici in rescuiiif; the enemy Trom ihe burning 
 ships, on Scptymlier 14th, 1782, lo which allusion is m.ide in verses 5 and 6, 
 
60 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 Alas ! what deeds, where virtue reign'd, 
 
 Have in oblivion's darkness died, 
 
 When Painting, by the Goths enchain'd, 
 
 No hfe-securing tints supplied! 
 
 Of all thy powers, exchanting Art, 
 
 Thou deemest this the dearest part, 
 
 To guard the rights of valour, and afford 
 
 Surviving lustre to the Hero's sword : 
 
 For this, heroic Greece thy martial charms adored. 
 
 Rival of Greece, in arms, in arts, 
 
 Tho' deemed in her declining days, 
 
 Britain yet boasts unnumbered Hearts, 
 
 Who keenly pant for public praise : 
 
 Her Battles yet are firmly fought 
 
 By Chiefs with Spartan courage fraught : 
 
 Her Artists, witli Athenian zeal, unite 
 
 To trace the glories of the prosp'rous fight, 
 
 And gild th' embattl'd scene with Art's immortal light. 
 
 Tho' many a hand may well portray. 
 
 The rushing ^Var's mfuriale shock. 
 
 Proud Calpe bids thee, Wright, display 
 
 The Terrors of her blazing Rock ; 
 
 The burning hulks of baffled Spain, 
 
 From thee she claims, nor claims in vain, 
 
 Thou mighty master of the mimic Flame, 
 
 Whose Peerless Pencil, with peculiar aim. 
 
 Has formed of lasting Fire the basis of thy Fame. 
 
 J ust is thy praise, thy Country's voice 
 
 Loudly asserts thy signal power ; 
 
 In this reward may'st thou rejoice, 
 
 In modest Labour's silent hour, 
 
 Far from those seats, where envious leagues. 
 
 And dark cabals, and base intrigues 
 
 Exclude meek merit from its proper Home ; 
 
 AVhere Art, whom Royally forbade to roam, 
 
 Against thy Talents closed her self-dishonour'd I )omt.', 
 
 When partial pride, or mean neglect. 
 
 The nerves of injur'd Genius gal!, 
 
 What kindly s[3ells of keen effect 
 
 His energy of Heart recall? 
 
 Perchance there is no spell so strong 
 
 As fiiendship's sympathetic song: 
 
 By fancy link'd in a fraternal band. 
 
 Artist and Bard in sweet alliance stand ; 
 
 I'hey suffer equal wounds, and mutual aid demand. 
 
 Go then, to slighted worth devote 
 Thy willing verse, my fearless Muse ; 
 Haply thy free and friendly note 
 Some joyous ardour may infuse 
 In fibres, that severely smart, 
 From potent envy's poison'd dart ; 
 
 Thro' Wright's warm breast bid tides of vigour roll, 
 Guard him from meek depression's chill controul, 
 And rouse him to exert each sinew of liis Soul." 
 
 The first nine verses allude to Wright's picture of the Siei^e of Gibraltar. 
 The last three refer to his having been rejected as an R.A. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 6i 
 
 This " Ode " is referred to by Wright in the follouing interesting letter to his friend 
 Hayley ; and from what we learn of Wright's character from those who knew him, it is very 
 certain that he would not have accepted as a " very ingenious and very friendly ode " a poem 
 which contained such severe animadversions upon the treatment he had been subjected to by 
 the Ro\"al Academ)', tmless he had thought them justified by the facts : — 
 
 " Derby, Aug. 31st, 1783. 
 
 '■ Mv Dkak Sir, 
 
 " It is recommended to the painters who wish to become eminent, to let no day 
 pass without a line. How contrary, alas ! has been my practice ; a series of ill-health for 
 these si.xteen years past (the core of my life) has subjected me to many idle days, and bowed 
 down my attempts towards fame and fortune. I have laboured under an annual malady some 
 years, four and five months at a time ; under the influence of which I have now dragged 
 over four months, without feeling a wish to take up my pencil, till roused by your verv 
 ingenious and very friendly Ode, in which are many beautiful parts, and some sublime. 
 Perhaps, had I then been furnished with proper materials for the action off Gibraltar, I should 
 have begun my fire ; but for want of such instructions, I soon sunk into my wonted torpor 
 again, from which, as the weather grows cooler, I hope to awaken. Mr. Wedgwood ajiproves 
 of your subject of Penelope, as a companion to the Maid of Corinth. You mention the boy 
 Telemachus being pale and feverish ; pray, is there any authority in history for it ? or have 
 you mentioned it to give more character and expression to his mother ? When I know this 
 I shall make a sketch of it, and consult you further about it. Some little time ago, I 
 received one hundred copies of your charming Ode (would I deserved what your warm 
 friendship has lavished on me), some of which I distributed among my friends ; but would it 
 )iot be more advantageous to me to spread abroad the rest when my picture is finished — 
 especially if I make an exhibition of it with some others ? 
 
 " I am, dear Sir, with the greatest esteem, 
 
 " Your much obliged Friend, 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 
 Another writer, Anthony Pasquin,* in his "The Royal Academicians: A Farce, 17S6," 
 gives this account of Wright's secession from the .Academ)-, which he puts into the mouth 
 of Truth : — 
 
 ■■ The inimitable Wright, of Derby, once expressed an ardent desire to be admitted a 
 member ol the Academy, but from what unaccountable reason his wishes were frustrated 
 remains as yet a secret to the world ; but the sagacious, or, rather, the envious brethren of 
 the brush thought proper to thrust so eminent an artist on one side to make way for so 
 contemptible an animal as Edmund Garbage (Garvey). They had scarcely invested this 
 insignificant mushroom with diplomatic honours before they discovered that they had been 
 committing a most atrocious, diabolical, and bloody murder upon two gentlemen of great 
 
 * |ohn Willi.iins. 
 
62 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 respectability and character, ycleped Genius and Justice ; and tlie pangs of their wounded 
 consciences became so very troublesome, that it was resolved, in a full divan, instandy to 
 despatch Secretary Prig to Derby with the diploma, and force these august privileges and 
 distinctions upon the disappointed painter, that he had before solicited in vain. But, alas ! 
 the expedition was inauspicious and unfortunate ; the diploma was rejected with the most 
 evident marks of contempt, and the Secretary kicked as a recompense for his presumption," 
 
 This account is, no doubt, a caricature of what actually took place, but it to a certain 
 extent corroborates both Mr. Philips' statement and the Poet Hayley's allusions to the same 
 event in his ode ; and we must remember that the poet was also one of Wright's intimate 
 friends. 
 
 Mr. F. G. Stephens has kindly called my attention to the following extract from 
 "Number r: A Liberal Critique on the Exhibition for 1794," by "Anthony Pasquin " 
 (Williams), p, 15 : — 
 
 J . WRIGHT, DERBY. 
 No. 107, "An Eruption of Vesuvius:' 
 No. 232, "A Lake at Dunlceld, in Scotland, Evcnivf;" by the same Author. 
 No. 233, "A Village on Fire" by ditto. 
 
 "This truly celebrated Artist h.is honoiiicil the InstitLitioti by condescending to mingle his choice labours with the 
 Harp Alky * excellence of a majority of the Royal Academicians. Feeling their importance so inordinately, it moves 
 my wonder that these uplifted gentlemen do not eagerly contribute, by their own efforts, to the support of that order 
 from whence Ihey tlerive such prodigious importance, and not give the cavilling world occasion to remark that they 
 have been honoured without desert, and retain the mumnieiies of the institution without gratitude. ^Vhen I was in 
 t'aris, in 1787, they managed those affairs much better; the Royal Academy of Polite Arts there was conducied more 
 nobly : every person was admitted to view gratis, what was meant as a free display of national genius, for national 
 admiration. With us the motive seems cupidity, and the end deception. With the richest Monarch in Europe for 
 their patron, the arts of England are literally kept from destruction by the votive shillings of a modey public, who 
 pay the salaries of the professors, and find oil for the lamps in the plaister and living schools, though the King 
 arrogates the character of being the high supporter of the system. But it is a provident assumption of dignity, 
 unaccompanied with either risk, anxiety, or e.\pense ! He seems to possess the funr of patronage as highly as the 
 tenth Leo, but I have as yet to learn that he is equally munificent." 
 
 My own opinion is, that the facts as recorded by these writers were in the main correct. 
 There seems no reason to doubt that Wright's contributions to the annual Exhibitions at the 
 Academy had been systematically placed in bad positions, and that he felt his abilities 
 deserved recognition before tho.se of Mr. E. Garvey, his competitor at the time, whose works 
 consisted principally of small pictures of gendemen's seats. At this period, the Elections at 
 the Royal Academy were contested, and interest was all-powerful ; and nothing would have 
 fieen more repugnant to the sensitive and honourable nature of Wright, than havmg to pass 
 through the ordeal of canvassing for an election, where merit alone should have been the test. 
 
 • "Harp Alley" Shoe Lane, Lnndon, was the market for house signs before they were abolished. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 63 
 
 It is to be regretted that no letters or other memoranda are to be foimd amongst Wright's 
 papers which throw any light upon his refusal of the diploma in 1 7S4. 
 
 I am, however, able to give, in \\'right's own words, his version of his treatment by 
 the Royal Academy during the years 1790, 1791, and 1794. From these letters we learn 
 that Wright had again become an exhibitor in the Academy, but that his pictures were 
 badly hung. This treatment calls forth these words from him : — " 'Tis not the first instance 
 of their base conduct. I ha\'e been driven from their E.xhibition before, and must again 
 withdraw myself, unless I could brook such abuse." 
 
 Again, in writing to Mr. Philips, in 1794, he says: — "Your picture of Vesuvius and 
 one at Dunkeld which would have been at Manchester before now, had not the frames of 
 the pictures which I exhibited been materially damaged at the Academy. Mr. Milbourne 
 has orders to put them into good condition and send them to you when done." 
 
 This is alone sufficient to prove his retirement had some deeper ground than a dis- 
 inclination to present a diploma picture. 
 
 "Derby, iith June, 1790. 
 
 " To John Leigh Philips, 
 
 " My good friend, for so I have reason to call you, is ever prompt and 
 eager to redress as much as may be my wrongs. I have lately sustained a real injury 
 from the most illiberal behaviour of the Royal Academicians, with which my dear friend 
 Tate has made you acquainted. 'Tis not the first instance of their base conduct. I have 
 been driven from their Exhibition before, and must again withdraw myself — unless I could 
 brook such abuse — for it is better not to exhibit at all than under such disadvantageous 
 circumstances. To put my pictures in places they could not be seen, and then to decry 
 them is rank villany, and what an artist should sink under the reflection of I wish the 
 Town had held together longer ; I should have been very glad to have their beha\'iour 
 publickly known, while it is recent, that if I should exhibit no more with them, the true 
 reason may be known. I was prophet enough to foretell what woukl happen to me. I 
 think I conmiunicated it to Tate, indeed it required no divination, to know the miscreants 
 and their dependency on the Alderman,* was to know the result of all. I am sorry the 
 business is protracted from time to time. The Editors stand much in awe of this great 
 man. I heard the other day from a Relation of the Alderman's, that the editor of the 
 Morning Herald had a violent quarrel with him for rejecting the performance of a 
 relation of his as unworthy of his gallery. There is an odd paragraph in the Leicester 
 papers. ' The Prince of pick pockets has given instruction to his attorney to prosecute a 
 printer tor a libel on his characleri Can you guess who it is I wonder V'asari has not 
 yet come out with his statement of facts, sure he has not plugged with gold the touch 
 hole of his great guns. At present I can but thank )"ou for your \-cry friendly ser\-ices 
 to me ; I feel the weight of such solid obligalions. 
 
64 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 "My best remembrances to Mrs. Philips, my Friend Tate, Mrs. Hardman, &c., &c., and 
 believe me very sincerely and with much esteem your Friend, 
 
 "JO*" WRIGHT. 
 
 " P.S. — Tate says you have so high an opinion of my two pictures that if 1 will 
 join you, Heath shall be applied to, to engrave them. I hardly know how to reply, unless 
 1 knew something of the e.xpense, and the likelihood of saving ourselves in such an engage- 
 ment. Independent of these considerations 1 should like it of all things, as it would be 
 pushing the matter with the Alderman still further. Perhaps you will indulge me with a 
 line soon." 
 
 " 15th April, 1791. 
 
 " To John Lrigh Piiii.ii'S, 
 " Mv DiL.^R Sir, 
 
 " I have just received a letter from the Sect>' of the incorporated Society of 
 Artists, assuring me they will be happy to receive any pictures from me, but they wish 
 to avoid inserting anything in the catalogue, that may appear like altercation with the 
 R Academy, and they conceive it sufficient to mention in the catalogue, that the two 
 pictures from Shakespeare were exhibited last year at Somerset house, timely notice not 
 having been sent of the Exhiljition of this Society, but the .subjects having received altera- 
 tions, Mr. Wright wishes them to be exhibited here. However in this respect the 
 Committee will be wholly guided by me. I think nothing had better be said than the above. 
 My wish was to have had something mentioned in the catalogue expre-ssive of the slight 
 & injustice shewn to my pictures last j'ear by the R Acadcni)-, by the obscure places they 
 put them in, which I hope will be an apology to the publick for their 2'"' appearance. Pray 
 suggest something proper if you and my friend Tate think some observation of the kmd 
 should be made. 
 
 " Heath Martin will have an opportunity of seeing these pictures ; whether they will 
 approve of them is uncertain, nor do I know whether the two pictures of Romeo & Juliet 
 and the Storm are to be marked in the Catalogue to be sold. It would gratify my i)ride 
 and resentment to the Alderman to have 'em engraved by Heath — as the Companion of 
 the Storm would become more universal. The Society wish to have any single picture 
 besides the two from Shakespeare, which would preclude any unpleasant suggestions that 
 might be started to the prejudice of the Society. Pray give me your thoughts by return 
 of post, as 1 must write as soon as possible. 
 
 "I am still unwell- no work going on. Adieu my good friend, and believe me yours 
 very sincerely, 
 
 ■'JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 " St Ellens, 
 
 " 15 Apl. 1791-" 
 
WRICHr OF DERBY. 
 
 65 
 
 The note in the catalogue of 1791, the last exhibition of the Society, thus reads; — 
 " N.B. — The above pictures were exhibited last year in the Royal Academy ; but havinL;' 
 been placed in an unfortunate situation, owing (as Mr. Wright supposes) to their havinc^ 
 arrived too late in London, and having since received alterations, he is desirous they should 
 again meet the public eye." 
 
 St Ellens, Apl 23'"'^ 1791. 
 
 " To John Leigh PiiiLirs, 
 Mv Dear Sir, 
 
 " As I have a very high opinion of your judgment, integrity, and friendship 
 for me. I have the greatest satisfaction in asking your advice & regulating my conduct by 
 it. I have implicitly followed your instructions relative to the Incorporated Society, who I 
 believe would do anything in reason to accommodate me. They approve of the N.B., as it 
 now stands, it entirely removes every ground of cavil between them and the R.A., yet for 
 m\' own sake, they wish me to reconsider it. as in their opinion it sets me In perhaps too 
 pointed a view of opposition to the R.A, but I don't see that. They have repeatedly used 
 me ill, and the public ought to know it, or my changing the place of exhibition might 
 be deemed whimsicalness. The terms it is couched in are delicate, and the supposition of 
 delay, being \'e cause of the pictures being disadvantageously placed, is a very sufficient 
 apology for the Academy, better indeed than my heart is inclined to make them. 
 
 " I consider the Exhibition as my mart, and I have sent three small pictures. I wish 
 they may make good head against the Royalists this year, against another I hope to be 
 better prepared. I like the Spring Gardens Room very much. I am glad you like the 
 addition to your Grotto, in my opinion 'tis much improved by it ; there is a better balance 
 of light and shadow. I would advise you to get it painted on the backside with a greyish 
 colour which will preserve it much. I mention grey because the paint works thro' like pin 
 heads in any of the porus parts. That tint vvill be the least seen and where they are seen, 
 our dear friend l^ite will touch 'em with the point ot a pencil. The Moonlight is 30^'- 
 
 " I thank you very kindly for a quantity of most excellent rags, you were resolved I 
 should never want again. I do not understand when \"0u sa}', "if we can see ye 2*" No. of 
 Boydell we shall all be satisfied." Pray is the r' out. I am glad you are recovered. 
 
 "JO'^ WRIGHT." 
 
 " 20th May, 1 79 1. 
 
 " To John Leigh Philips, 
 " Mv Dear Sir, 
 
 '■ Your Account of the base situation of my friend Tate's pictures in the R.A. 
 hurts me much, tho' from repeated instances of this sort of behaviour both to myself and 
 Pupil I am not much surprised. 'Tis their duty to form the best exhibition in their power, 
 
66 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 by giving evci'v picture the place its merit chums, but partiality pervades the whole, and I 
 have frequently seen pictures unworthy of public exhibition possessini^^ the most advantas^coLis 
 places. Who it is that misconducts this matter, I know not, but I have heard Farington 
 has much sway in the Academy. 
 
 " As you ha\-e given u]) the concern which Tate mentioned to me sometime ag"o, I must 
 also gi\'e uj) the flattering idea which I had entertained of having my picture engraved by 
 Heath. Martin & he wished again to see them. Have ;-ou heard anything from Heath 
 about them, because the time of closing will be drawing nigh and I nnrst determine what 
 to do with 'em. 1 think they will be the last pictures I shall e.xhibit. 
 
 " I am happy you like your pictures, and am obliged to you for the remittance of 
 /31. 10. o. 1 could have wished for the ease of my own feelings to have excused the 
 payment (for I stand much indebted to you) but I durst not offer it you, for fear of wounding 
 yours at this time. However, anon, I will jilace a center picture between the two, to show- 
 how sincerely I think myseli, 
 
 " Dr Sir, \-our obliged Frientl, 
 
 '■J0»» WRIGHT. 
 
 "St Ellens, 
 
 "May 20, i;9i-" 
 
 In a biography of Wright. I am compelled to notice the unwarrantable attack made by 
 the Messrs. Redgrave, in their "Century of Painters," upon the reputation of Wright as a 
 painter. Whether this arose from Wright's seceding from the Academy, and so committing 
 an unpardonable offence in the eyes of the Messrs. Redgrave, or from the fict that they 
 judged Wright by unimportant works, as I shall presently show, or from both combined, 1 
 must leave the reader to decide. 
 
 Messrs. Redgrave state : — " Having made a journey into the County especially to see 
 some of the works of this Derbyshire artist, we were shown many, both portraits, landscapes, 
 and figure subjects, reported to be amongst his best, but always disappointing to our expecta- 
 tions." Soon after the publication of the "Century of Painters,", I was at the trouble to 
 make enquiries as to what jjictures had been seen by the Messrs. Redgrave on the occasion 
 of this visit, and found that they had not seen his best pictures at all, but only a few which 
 were either left unfinished at his death or had been tampered with by others, together with 
 some unimportant works. They did not see " The Orrery," " The Gladiator," " The 
 Alchymist," nor any of his iniportaiU portraits or "conversation" pictures. The "Air Pump" 
 picture was apparently not seen by them until later, when a portion of their criticisms had been 
 written, and it then received encomium from them, which I now place in juxtaposition with 
 what they had written a few ])ages before. The italics are mine. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 67 
 
 Messrs. REDGRAVE v. Messrs. REDGRAVE. 
 
 JOS. WRIGHT, OF DERBY. 
 
 CRITICISM.S ON THE PICTURE C.\LLEI) "AN 
 EXPERIMENT WITH AN AIR PUMP." 
 
 ''As a portrait painter, judged iiis iie.st 
 Horli.s, he wa.s merely respectable. Tliere is a 
 painful solidity of execution, a waul of quality 
 and /ex/ II I e both in tlie flesh and draperies, so 
 that when placed beside the works of Reynolds 
 or Gainsboro' his portraits remind us of the 
 labours of the house pain/er ; they show little 
 \-ariety of handling ; flesh, drapery, sky, trees, 
 all being execuled in /he same painty manner:' 
 — "Century of Painters," vol. i, p. 258. 
 
 " A\'e certainly should have placed Wright of 
 Dei^by nineh lower as an artist had \vc not 
 seen this very elever luork. . . . The draw 
 ing and composition is satisfactor)-, and there 
 is a great contrast in the expression and the 
 varied attitudes of the several heads. The 
 flesh of the faces is i^ood in eolour, and most 
 earefnlly modelled ; indeed the young woman 
 on the right, in blue, and the lad drawing 
 down a curtain to shut out the moon-light on 
 the left, are worth special observation for this 
 c|ualit\-. JJie draperies are all carefully painted 
 from nature fa meril apparent also in most of 
 Wright's portraitsj , and are in this respect 
 very different from the slop]>y negligence of 
 some of the followers of Reynolds. There is 
 a ])rett\' little incident rendered with feeling 
 and true expression, in the group of two young 
 girls touched with childish sorrow and dread 
 of what they are told is to be the result of 
 'the experiment'— the death of the bird con- 
 hned in the gla.ss receiver of the machine. 
 
 " The colour of the whole is pleasant, the 
 execution firm and solid, and the brown 
 shadows, although dark, are sufficiently rich and 
 luminous, the picture very agreeable in general 
 tone." — "Century of Painters," vol. i, p. 264. 
 
 Mr. R. Redgrave, R.A., in a letter to the writer, dated Nov. 30, 1S61, wrote:— "I have 
 seen on my journe)- and since, very many fine Wrights, and have reported to the Commis- 
 sioners (international Exhibition) on six or eight, which they intend to ask or have asked for." 
 It IS a difficult task to reconcile this statement with the "house painter" theory. Yet the 
 "Century of Painters" was not published initil 1S66. 
 
68 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 Of the picture of "An Experiment with an Air Pump," which called forth such praise 
 from the Messrs. Redgrave, I am enabled, through the courtesy of the Proprietors of the 
 "Art Journal," to give an illustration. It was presented to the National Gallery, a few 
 years ago, by Mr. Walter Tyrrell. 
 
" E D \V IN." 
 
 From Dk. Bicattiic's "Minstrel." Ei'ciiKD liv Mr. F. Skvmour Haden. 
 Mr. Thomas H.\dex, 0¥ DiCRiiv, ^.vi for this PicTURii. 
 Original pi,liire in the possession of the Right Honomal'U Lord Houghton. 
 
69 
 
 CHAPTER VTI. 
 
 Mf_xti()x of S01I1-; iMroRTANx PicTiRES.— The Custom Hol-sf. Authorities 
 
 AND '• Tnii CaiTIVk" PICTURE.— ThK " DeAI) SoLDIER" AND HeATH THE Hn(;raVHK. 
 
 Destruction of the Flo.ating Batteries off Gibraltar."— "The Orrery.' — 
 PiARL Ferrers as a Patro.n.—Mortiaier.— Peter Pindar.— Dr. Darwin.— Anna 
 Si-u ard. — Wedgwood. — Bi-ntlev. — "The Alchvmist " Picture. — Havlev itii.: 
 Poet. — Thos. .A.. Ii.A.YLEY the .Sculptor. 
 
 hme .seen that Wright's visit to Italy caused him to turn his 
 attention to landscape, and it is after his return from thence 
 that we find him entering ii|)on the treatment of poetical subjects. 
 "Edwin," from Heattie's "Minstrel." and "Alari.i," from Sterne's 
 sentimental journey, were exhibited at the Ro\ al .Academy in 
 1778 and i;Sl, and were ijnrtraits of living persons, who were 
 eminently fitted to represent the ideal of the authors. Before 
 Wright commenced to paint " Kdwin the .Minstrel," he wrote to 
 Dr. Beattie to ask his opinion upon the treatment of the subject. 
 The Doctor wrote a very e.xcellent letter in niply, -.md conchnled l,y saying, "Edwin from 
 your pencil will be all my pen lainly endeavoured to make him." A Derby gentleman, Thos. 
 Haden, surgeon, who was considered to be one of the handsomest men in the town at that 
 date, sat for this picture. The lady who sat for ".Maria" was a Mrs. Bassano, of 1 >,Tby. 
 
 1 am indebted to Mr. F. .Seymour Haden for kindly allowing me to embellish this volume 
 with his admirable etching of "Edwin the Minstrel." 
 
 We may well attribute these and some other pictures of a sentimental character to the 
 inrtuence of Wright's visit to Italy. Wright was evidently indebted for the attitude of the 
 figure in the picture of "The Captive" to Michael .Angelo's ".Adam" in the Capella Sistina. 
 
7° 
 
 " WRIGHT Of DERBY. 
 
 This picture was painted in Rome, and sent to England. A very good talc is told about it, 
 which is here inserted from "The Universal Magazine" of June, 1795:— 
 
 " When this celebrated painter (Wright, of Derby) was at Rome, he painted that very 
 fine figure, " The Captive," from Sterne, and consigned the picture to a friend in London, who 
 having advice of its being landed, and deposited in the Custom House, presented a petition 
 to the Board, stating that it was a portrait painted by an English artist, and praying it might 
 be delivered duty free. In answer to this he received an order to attend on a given day, and 
 uas brought before their honours. The picture was produced, and the first question asked was, 
 "Of whom is it the portrait?" The gendeman replied with truth, it was the portrait of a 
 Roman (for it was copied from a Roman beggar), and the Board seemed inclined to let it pass ; 
 but an old gentleman, who had long been a Commissioner, made a shrewd objection, and 
 remarked that this was such a portrait as he had never before seen in his life, and taken in 
 a manner that he did not believe either Roman, Greek, Turk, Jew. or Infidel, would ever 
 consent to 'sit.' 'If,' he added, 'any gendeman at this Honourable Board chose to have his 
 picture drawn, would not he put on a clean shirt, and ha\-c his wig fresh powdered, and be 
 clean shaved ; answer me that ? To be sure he would. Now, it is here pretended, that this 
 fellow sat for his portrait, who had hardly a rag to cover his nakedness ; gentlemen, if he could 
 have afforded to have paid for painting his picture, he could have afforded to buy himself a 
 pair of breeches!' He added by moving that the duty might be paid; and the duty was 
 paid accordingly. " 
 
 Wright was more fortunate when he returned from ItaU", as to pa)-ment of Custom House 
 duties, as the following extract from a letter from Bath, dated 4th Dec, 1775, shows: — 
 "Through the interest & application of my friend Mr. Baxter, I have got my pictures, &c., 
 duty free, a thing so unusual the clerks cou'd scarce credit it. I believe it an indulgence none 
 have experienced but myself. Had 1 been charged with ye common duty. I should have had 
 near ^^30 to pay, an object this at any time, at the present a very material one." 
 
 From the pictures of this character, we must not omit to mention that of the " Dead 
 Soldier," from Langhorne's poems, which has become so familiar through the excellent line 
 engraving by Heath. 
 
 It is related that Wright said before he painted the " Dead Soldier," that he would depict 
 the greatest possible sorrow, yet there should be a smiling face in the picture. The following 
 lines by William Sotheby, F.R.S., bear testimony to the realisation of his intention: — 
 
 '■ I, In yon lonely lent by pity led. 
 View where the widow mourns her soldier, dead ; 
 Turns from her babe, whose careless smiles impart 
 Strange woe, that harrows up the motlier's he.nrt, 
 H.ings o'er the body, bleeding on the ground, 
 Clas[,s his cold haihi, and faints upon ihe wound." 
 
 The picture of the "Dead Soldier" was bought from the easel by Heath for /105, who 
 afterwards sold it to J. L. Philips. It was sold in Manchester, when the eff'ects of that 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 71 
 
 Patron of the Fine Arts came to the: hammer, by Winstanley and Taylor, in October. 1814. 
 and then reahzed ^315. It is thus described in the Catalogue: — "Lot 33, Wright, of Derby, 
 — ' 1 he Dead Soldier.' This acknowledged chcf-d'cciivre of this admired master, uniting- great 
 knowledge of grouping, excellent drawing, & correct colouring, with a fine feeling of 
 sentiment, decidedly proves the assertion of Mr. Fuzeli, in his 'Biographical Notice of Mr. 
 Wright,' that ' he once eminently succeeded in the pathetic' " 
 
 The line engraving by Heath appears, from the following correspondence, to have been 
 a great success. 
 
 The following is a copy of the original circular issued by the Engraver — 
 
 London. luly 25th, [795- 
 PROPOSALS 
 For Publishing by Subscription 
 
 A PRINT, 
 
 To be Engra\'cd 1 )\" 
 
 JAMES HEATH, 
 
 Historical engraver to his Majesty, &c., 
 from 
 
 The celebrated picture 
 of 
 
 THE DEAD SOEDIER, 
 
 Painted by 
 
 WRIGHT, OF DERBY. 
 
 CONDITIONS: 
 That the ph«e shall W the Size of the Phate of the Death of 
 Gkneral Wolfe. The price of each print will be One Guinea ; 
 Proofs, Two Guineas : Half to be paid at the time of subscribing, 
 and the remainder on the delivery of the Print. 
 
 Subscriptions are received by the Proprietor, [amcs Hcath\ at 
 42 Newman Street, where a proof of the plate may be seen. 
 
 Received /^p of 
 
 the sum of being Half of llic Sulisrription for 
 
 impression of the above-mentioned print, which J promise to deliver 
 according to the proposals. 
 
72 
 
 " WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 The following correspondence relating to the print is also of some interest ; — 
 
 "Oct. i/th, 1796. 
 
 "To J. L. Philips. 
 
 " I have sent a proof of the ' Dead Soldier' very near finished. Pray let me 
 have your opinion and remarks upon it as soon as possible. I have sent one to Wright, and 
 have asked him to paint a companion to it ; if he will not, who would you recommend for 
 that purpose ? 
 
 " I have hopes of a great sale from the number of subscribers I already have, and the 
 approbation the print has met with from e\-ery one who has seen it. 
 
 "J. HEATH." 
 
 " 1796. 
 
 "To J. L. Philips. 
 
 " The prints you mention from Wrights I dare say 1 shall be able to pick up 
 at the sales this winter. I have heard from Mr. Wright, in which he says: 'The effect of 
 the picture is so well preserved, and the parts which compose it so true, that I have nothing to 
 say but that 1 am well pleased with it.' He says that he began to paint again about a week 
 ago, and that he will (if his health returns) talk to me about a companion picture. 
 
 "J. IIE.A.TH." 
 
 " Feby., 1797. 
 
 " To J. I^. Philips. 
 
 " I shewed him (Lord Lansdowne) a proof of the ' Dead Soldier,' which he 
 liked exceedingly, and subscribed for a couple. I asked his permission to dedicate it to him, 
 which seemed to give him great pleasure. I e.xpect him to call to see the picture, and when 
 he has seen it, I will immediately send it on to you. 
 
 "J. HEATH." 
 
 " To Joseph Wright. 
 " Silt, 
 
 "As 1 am going to publish the 'Dead Soldier,' 1 wish to announce the 'Ship- 
 wrecked Sailor' as a companion. I should therefore be much obliged to you to inform me 
 whether your health will permit your painting it. An answer will much oblige. 
 
 " Your most obedt. Servt., 
 
 "JAS. HEATH. 
 
 '' Mch. 14th, 1797. 
 
 " Newman St., London." 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 73 
 
 "April, 1797. 
 
 "To J. L. Philips. 
 
 " I have sent in a large tin case by to-night's conveyance, four Dozen of the 
 very first impressions of the ' Dead Soldier,' and one Dozen proofs. This number is more 
 than you have at different times ordered for yourself and friends, but as I have raised the 
 price to j' °' and as they are choice impressions, I should suppose they will not stick on 
 hand. If they should, you can at any time retm-n them. A few of them have the same date of 
 publication as the proofs, and consequently in the earliest state. I ha\'e met with more success 
 than I had hoped for in such times as these. It is universally talked of, and 1 have orders 
 for between 2 & 300 from the trade only. 
 
 "J. HEATH." 
 
 "Aug 20, 1797. 
 
 " To J. L. Philips. 
 
 "A few days ago I sent an India proof of the 'Dead Soldier.' I should have 
 sent you one before, but as the India paper ivas not good, I did not take above three impres- 
 sions, the best of which you have. I have sent by to-day's coach seven 'Dead Soldiers.' 
 Respecting the two pictures of Wright's, of 'Hero' & ' Leander,' I mentioned it to L""' Lans- 
 downe, who has promised to j^rocure them for me if he can. Have \ou heard how Wright is 
 lateljr. If he is not dead, I shall think there are hopes he may recover sufficiently to paint a 
 companion for me." 
 
 " >797- 
 
 "To J. L. Philips. 
 
 "1 received (1797) yours with the bill enclosed. I am very sorry to hear of 
 Wright's death, as I do not know now who to get to paint a companion to the ' Dead Soldier.' 
 1 wish you would say who you think would do it best. I mean to get the pictures of ' Hero,' 
 &c., as soon as L""- Lansdovvnc comes to Town, and w.'ith respect to Sterne's ' Old JIan and 
 Ass,' I think it would be a good thing to engrave. Mr. Corbould would be the man to put 
 the back ground to it. 
 
 "J. HEATH." 
 
 "June I4'''' 179S. 
 
 " To J. L, Philips. 
 
 " I wish you would get the two pictures of ' Hero' & ' Leander' for me. I should 
 like to engrave them very much. I have mentioned them to L"" Lansdowne several times, but 
 he seems to hint that there is a family coolness which prevents him from asking for them. 
 
 "The 'Dead Soldier' continues to sell very well, indeed so much so, that I am very 
 desirous of going on publishing for myself 
 
 "J. HEATH." 
 
74 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 "July 28, 1S05. 
 
 " To j. L. PuiLirs. 
 
 " Mr. Corbould desires me to inform you that he has finished W'rig'ht's picture. 
 I should think it would be worth while to engrave it, and if, after you have seen it, you think 
 so too, and would go halves in the speculation, I should like to do it. 
 
 "J. HEATH. 
 
 " Russell Place." 
 
 "May 12, 1S07. 
 
 " To J. L. Phiiji'S. 
 
 " My next work will be a companion to the ' Dead Soldier." M'- Smirke has 
 nearly finished the picture. He had painted one four years ago, but it did not quite please 
 him, and he has now succeeded more to his wishes. 
 
 "j. HEATH." 
 
 " Feby., iSio. 
 
 " To J. L. PiiiLip.s. 
 
 " I have often thought of mentioning to you the circumstance of M'' Morland's 
 having boyight my Landscape of Wright's for 16 Guineas, and his never offering to pay for 
 it, although it is so long ago. I wish for your advice, as you know his circumstances better 
 than 1 do. 
 
 "J. HEATH." 
 
 It has been the custom to view W'right only as a painter of artificial light, and for picture 
 dealers and some others to attribute all unknown pictures of fire in any form to " Wright of 
 Derby." We ourselves have seen many so attributed, which would not add fame to any 
 painter's name. The P^xhibition of Wright's Works in the Derby Corporation Art Gallery, in 
 I S83, tended to dispel this unfounded illusion as to the limits of Wright's art. Whilst the 
 representation of fire-light in some form or other was undoubtedly a speciality with Wright, 
 this class of subjects, after all, formed but a small proportion of the numerous works then 
 collected together. 
 
 On reference being made to the api.)t;ndix it w ill be noticed that there were many other 
 important works painted by W^right which were never exhibited ; and as he did not always 
 sign his paintings, they may possibly now be attributed to other artists, or to the great 
 tiiiknoivii. 
 
 A picture that created considerable attention at the time it was painted, was the " Destruc- 
 tion of the Spanish Floating Rattcries off Gibraltar," on September 13th, 17S2,* which was 
 bought from the easel b\- Mr. J. Milnes for ^,"420, being the highest price Wright obtained 
 for a single picture. This was one of the works included in the London Exhibition ot 
 
 * In llie possession of the kle Lord Overstone at the time of his decease. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 75 
 
 Wright's pictures in the year 17S5, and a notice of the Press of that date thus alludes to it: 
 
 "We shall, however, at different periods lay before our readers a particular account of these 
 noble productions as they stand in the catalogue : except that grand scene of the ' Destruction 
 of the Floating Batteries oft Gibraltar,' which we cannot resist the present impulse of mention- 
 ing out of its turn. In this picture, Mr. Wright has represented a view of the e.xtensive 
 scenery, combined with the action on the 13th Sept., 17S2, in which his design is sublime. 
 
 Oiigninl pidnrc hi the l-ossiisioii 11/ Mr. Ccori^e Dean, Derhy. 
 
 and his colouring natural and brilliant beyond description. We never remember to ha\e seen 
 shadows painted so little like substance as those in the foreground, which gain great strength 
 and richness from the prodigious brightness of the grand explosion at a distance ; but we feel 
 ourselves inadequate to the task of pointing out the various merits of this phenomenon in the 
 imitati\e arts, which proves the painter is unique in the extraordinary line of the charming 
 study he has so happily pursued." 
 
76 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 The following lines were written by Haylcy, " On Wright's Picture of the Siege of 
 Gibraltar " — 
 
 CALPE'S ADDRESS TO BRITANNIA. 
 
 "With patriotic pride, and national delight, 
 
 Ye Britons view me in the tints of Wright ! 
 
 My rock's the proof, tliat British Minds and Hearts 
 
 Are honour's darlings, both in Arms and Arts ; 
 
 With double trimnph here let Britons say 
 
 Britons alone could rule this fiery fray ; 
 
 This miiacle of Art a Briton wraught, 
 
 Painting as boldly as his country fought." 
 
 Extract from a Letter from Buxton Wells, January 3, 1785. 
 
 "Governor Elliot's successful defence of Gibraltar has, among the many essential advantages 
 accruing from it, been productive of some of the noblest works in the Fine Arts, especially 
 among the painters. On stopping at Derby a lew days since, I was introduced by a friend 
 to view the productions of that great genius Wright, whose astonishing power of expressing 
 artificial lights on canvas, the world has long been acquainted with. His new picture on the 
 Siege of Gibraltar, for composition, force, brilliancy, and prodigious effect of fire, exceeds, in 
 my opinion, all his former labours. To attempt a description of it would be in vain ; whoever 
 sees the picture must have such an idea of the action as no poetry can describe. Mr. Wright 
 has not been in the Exhibition (for reasons I cannot explain) for some time past, but that 
 he w'ill not withhold this sublime piece from general inspection, I most sincere!)' hope, as the 
 attack on Gibraltar, W'ith some other pieces on interesting subjects, would form an Exhibition 
 in every way worthy ot the countenance of the public." 
 
 The "Orrery" picture was exhibited at the Society of Artists' Rooms, in 1766. so must 
 have been painted when Wright was thirty years old. It was purchased by, and probably painted 
 for, the Earl Ferrers, lor the sum of two hundred guineas ; fifty pounds of this was paid on 
 account, and the remainder secured by a bond, of wlilch a copy is gh'en on the next page. 
 
 The figures in the picture are all portraits, and various persons have been mentioned as the 
 probable originals who were thus honoured. A copy of the print, once belonging to the artist, 
 has certain names written on the margin, with the date 1 76S, so that the following are 
 identified : — Jos. Wright, with his back towards the spectator, Mr. Burdett taking notes, young 
 Cantrell, Mr. A. Winterman, Mr. G. Snowden, Mrs. Sale, and Mr. Denby as the philosopher. 
 
 Mr. Burdett also figures in the "Gladiator" picture. The other boy sitter was a son of 
 Earl Ferrers, as the following extract from the " Stemmata Shirleiana'' shows: — "Lawrence 
 Rowland, 2nd Son of Robert 6th Earl of Ferrers, Bap. at St. Alkmund's Derby, Nov. 3, 
 1757, d. Feb. 5, 1 773. His portrait when very young is preserved in Wright s celebrated 
 picture of the ' Orrery,' well known from the engraving." 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 11 
 
 The picture passed front the hands of the Ferrt-rs famil)', and was sold h\ i\Ir. Thos. 
 Rought, of London, to the late Mr. I-'rancis Wright, of Osmaston Manor, by Ashbourne, for 
 the sum of fifty guineas, in 1S53. In 18S4, at the dispersion of Mr. John Osmaston's collection, 
 to whom the picture then belonged, it was again in the market, and it is with pleasure that we 
 are able to record that, being purchased by a few of Wright's admirers, singularly, at the original 
 price of two hundred guineas, it was on September 4th presented to the Derby Corporation 
 Art Gallery as a memorial to the painter, w-here it will remain as a fittins^ record of the 
 admirable powers he possessed, and be admired by his fellow-townsmen in )-ears to come. 
 
 The bond mentioned above W'as as follow's : — 
 
 J^NOW all men by these presents That we the Right Honourable Washington 
 Earl of Ferrers Peter Pery Burdett of Stanton Harold in the County of Leicester 
 Gentleman are held and firmly bound to Joseph Wright of the Town of IDerby 
 Painter in the sum of one hundred and sixty pounds of good & lawful money of 
 Great Britain To be paid to the said Joseph Wright or his certain attorney li.xecutors 
 administrators or assigns for which payment to be well & faithfully made We bind 
 ourselves and each of us by himself our & each of our Heirs E.xecutors & adminis- 
 trators firmly by these presents Sealed with our seal Dated this Eleventh day of 
 July in the third \-ear of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by 
 the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the 
 Faith & so forth and in the year of our Lord One thousand and seven hundred 
 and sixty-three The condition of this obligation is such That of the above 
 Bounden Earl F'errers & Peter Pery Burdett or either of them their or either of 
 their Heirs Executors or Administrators do and shall and do well & truly pay 
 or cause to be paid unto the above named Joseph Wright or his certain attorney 
 E.xors. Administrators or assigns the full sums of Eighty Pounds of Good and 
 lawful Money of Great Britain with lawful interest for the same on the eleventh 
 day of July which will be in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred 
 and sixty-four. Then their obligation to be void or else to remain in full force 
 
 Sealed & delivered being first duly stamped CT 
 
 in the presence oi — 
 
 \\\ WOTV " 
 
 From the following extract of a letter written by Wright to his brother Richard, dated 
 Rome, 13"' Ap., 1774, we learn that Burdett's behaviour caused Wright some anxiety as 
 tu his fulfilment of the bond : — 
 
 " 1 have just received a letter from M'- Tate of Liverpool, where he tells me M'- Burdett 
 
78 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 has sold up his goods and is off. M"' Burdett and her dear Miss Fredried arc gone 
 into lodgings, over head and ears in debt. 1 stand no chance of being paitl at present 
 — well, if ever ; wou'd therefore have you write immediately to Lord Ferrers and tt:il 
 him how things stand between me and Burdett, that he has not paid a farthing of 
 principal or interest of the four score pounds his Lordship was bound for, w''' I lent 
 him in the year '60 or '61, that he takes no notice of the letters 1 have wrote 
 him lately concerning the debt, must therefore look to his Lordship for it. When you write 
 to his Lordship send the amount of principal and interest, and desire him to pay it as soon 
 as he conveniently can. If it is not convenient for him to pay the whole, perhaps it will be 
 prudent to take the interest only, as that will secure y' debt, and prolong the limited time 
 for payment. M'- Fallows will advise you, give m;' respects to that family. Tell his Lord- 
 shiji I would not apply to him at this time for y' money was I not much distressed lor it, 
 travelling is very expensive." 
 
 On the liack of the bond, in Wright's handwriting, is the following: — 
 
 "August the .23, J 776, 
 
 " Memo. This day the Earl F'errers accepted a bill drawn by me lor Eighty 
 Pounds, which when paid will be in full for the principal of this Bond." 
 
 Extract From " Wine and Walnuts." I5v Pine. 
 
 " Wright was celebrated for scenes that represented the effects of fire subjects, which he 
 painted with more truth to ]iature than even Schalken, so far-famed.'' 
 
 Supper at Mortimer's. 
 
 Upon my word, a delicate litde hen turkey ; what, a Christmas present already ! This 
 turkey is from my old fellow-'prentice, Joe Wright," said Mortimer,* " who never forgets us at 
 Christmas. Poor Joe, the valetudinarian ! I'd be sworn he procured one of the least in all 
 Derby out of sheer compassion to our evil habits. He knows we always dress his Christmas 
 turkey for supper, and he has generally a hint by way of postscript to his letters, touching the 
 prevalence of apoplexy. Now Master Joe was one of your water-gruel disciples when we were 
 youngsters together at Hudson's ; and 1 would wager ten pounds to a crown piece, he is just 
 now sitting, Peter Grievous, over that wishy-washy, tasteless, humdrum, drivelling dish, and 
 calling to old Nan Watkins— ' Nanny, have you any nice live coals ? Do, pray, let me have my 
 bed warmed.' Are you a supper eater, Mister Gibbon ?"t "No, Mister Mortimer; I am a single 
 
 * The Paiiilet 
 
 + Gibbon, the Hidlorian of Rome. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 79 
 
 man, and a bit of a valetudinarian like your friend Mister Wright." " And a water-gruel eater, 
 I presume?" said Mortimer. ''Yes, indeed," said Gibbon, smiling; "though in truth, I do not 
 know that I am at all the better for these scrupulosities in diet." 
 
 This playfully overdrawn picture of Wright's habits was probably written before Wright went 
 to Italy. Wright was of very temperate and abstemious habits, which, unfortunately, cannot be 
 said of Mortimer. 
 
 Ur. Wolcott, as Peter Pindar, in one of his Poems, called Mr. Wright's moons silver 
 sixpences ; upon being remonstrated with, he said he had not seen any of his moonlights, but 
 supposed the moon must look like a sixpence. Probably this was the passage that Mr. Holland 
 disliked, when he wrote the following lines, had them printed, and pasted them over the passage 
 in his \'olumc of Peter Pindar's Poems — 
 
 '■ Would'st ihou paint Landscape, study Derby Wright, 
 Where fiecdoin, elegance, and truth unite. 
 Rich sparkling tints, grand shapes and masses show 
 How fine his pencil marks the Sunset's glow ; 
 Nor does his Master-hand less skillful seem, 
 When silver Cynthia quivers in the stream ; 
 E'en Envy with approving smiles must own 
 In all Wright paints, Nature and Wright are one." 
 
 Mr. Holland showed the book to a friend, who exclaimed, "Well done, Peter, I did not 
 think he would have done Wright so much justice." 
 
 The celebrated Dr. Darwin, who was on friendly terms with Wright, was often consulted by 
 him, respecting his " imaginary complaints," as the Doctor unjustly called them; and on one occasion 
 told him, "he had but one thing more to recommend, and that was what he would not give, but 
 he thought it would be to his advantage to be engaged in a vexatious lawsuit." The Poet Doctor 
 alludes to Wright in his ''Botanic Garden," Canto I., line 175, in the following lines — 
 
 "So M'right's bold pencil from Vesuvius' height. 
 Hurls his red lavas to the troubled night ; 
 From Calpe starts the intolerable flash. 
 Skies burst in flames, and blazing oceans dash — 
 On birds in sweet repose his shades recede, 
 Winds the still vale, and slopes tlie velvet mead, 
 On the pale stream expiring zephyrs sink. 
 And moonlight sleeps upon its hoary brink." 
 
 From the " Memolks of TiiK life of Dr. Darwin." By Anna Seward. 
 
 "Ill the course of the year 1770, Mr. Day stood for a full-length picture* to Mr. Wright, of 
 Derby. A strong likeness, and a dignified portrait were the result. Drawn as in the open air, 
 the surrounding sky is tempestuous, lurid, and dark. He stands leaning his left arm against a 
 
 * Now in the possession of Lord Bt-lptr. 
 
8o 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 column inscribed to HampLlcn. Mr. Day looks upward as endiusiastically meditating on the 
 contents of a I:)ooI-;, held in his dropped right hand. The open leaf is tlie oration of that ^■irI;uoLls 
 patriot in the senate, agahist the grant of ship money demanded by King Charles the First. 
 A flash of lightning pla)'s in Mr. Day's hair, and illuminates the contents of the volume. The 
 poetic fancy and what were ihe?i the politics of the original, appear in the choice of subject and 
 attitude. Dr. Darwin sat to Mr. Wright about the same period. The result was a simply 
 contemplative portrait* of the most perfect resemblance." 
 
 Miss Meteyard, in her life of Wedgwood, says in VoL II., page 442 : — "Wedgwood in the 
 pre\*ious year (i 778) had bespoken a picture ot Wright, of Derby, who, neglected by his 
 countrymen 'would,' as Wedgwood said, 'starve as a painter if the Empress of Russia had not 
 some taste and sense to buy these pictures now, which we may wish the next century to 
 purchase again at treble the price she now pays for them.' Soon after this Wright tried enamel 
 painting, and towards the close of 1779 he promised to visit Etrnrla and 'catch any help from 
 its fires ; ' but it is not till subsequently' that we hear of the hne picture he painted for 
 Wedgwood." 
 
 Again, on page 508, Miss Meteyard writes : — " In 1784 Wright, of Derby, painted for 
 Wedgwood his celebrated picture of the Maid of Corinth, as also a portrait which was probably 
 that of the very friend who had as far as possible replaced Bentley in his heart, Erasmus Darwin. 
 After some critical remarks on female drapery, Wedgwood, in writing to the painter, said of 
 the Maid of Corinth : — 
 
 " I do not say I am satisfied with the lover, but that I think it excellent, I had almost said 
 inimitable, & I should c|uake for any future touch ot your pencil there. It is unfortunate, in my 
 opinion, that the maid shows so much of her back ; but I give my opinion only, with great 
 diffidence and submission to your better judgment. In one word, you have been so happy in 
 your figure of the lover, that almost any other must appear to disad\'antage in so near a 
 comparison. Make lier to please yourself, and I shall be perfectly satisfied." 
 
 " Six years previously Wright had painted for Mr. Wedgwood one of his most celebrated 
 pictures. W^riting to Bentley the latter says; — ' I am glad to hear that Mr. Wright is in the land 
 of the living. I should like to have a piece of this gentleman's art, but think Debutacles' daughter 
 would be a more apropos subject for me than the Alch)'mist, though my principal reason for 
 having this subject would be a sin against the costume. I mean the introduction of our vases 
 into the piece, for how could such fine things be supposed to exist in the earliest infancy of 
 the potter's art? Vou know what I want, & when you see Mr. Wright again, I wish you wouk! 
 consult with him upon the subject. IVIr. Wright once began a piece in which our vases might 
 be introduced with the greatest propriety. I mean the handwriting upon the Wall in the Palace 
 of Belshazzar.' — -Wedgwood to Bentley, May 5, 1778." 
 
 Upon enquiry as to the present locality of the pictures Wright painted lor Wedgwood, 
 
 * Now in the possession of Reginald Darwin, D. D. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 8i 
 
 we regret to learn that they were ah lost to the family early in the present century. It appears 
 that they were sent to some person in London for Exhibition, or for the purpose of being 
 cleaned, and whilst there were distrained for rent. The pictures were dispersed and beyond 
 recall before the Wedgwoods could interfere. 
 
 One of these pictures, a " Portrait of Sir Richard Ark\\-right," was some years afterwards 
 presented to the Manchester Royal Exchange l)y Edmund Buckley, Esq., where it now 
 hangs. 
 
 On page 26, mention has been made of the friendship which e.xistetl between Wedgwood 
 and Wright, exemplified by Wright giving a painting " to his friend Jos. Wedgwood, the patron 
 and encourager of living artists." This friendship and generosity Wedgwood emulated upon the 
 occasion of the marriage of Wright's daughter, Anna Romana, to Mr. Cade, b\' tlie gilt of a 
 dinner service of 150 pieces. 
 
 Mr. F. G. Stephens sends me the following interesting copy of an autograph letter : — 
 
 "Derby, 12th October, 1788. 
 
 "To Miss Seward,* Lichfield. 
 " M;\n,\M, 
 
 " I have repeatedly read your charming poem. The subject you hold out for my 
 pencil, as you have treated it, is an excellent one ; but how to paint a llaniing sword baffles 
 my art. However, as soon as I find myself stout enough, I intend to attack it. I admire the 
 scenery. Would it strengthen or weaken the character to lay it near the sea, upon a rising 
 ground, and through an opening among the trees low in the picture to see the moon just 
 rising above a troubled sea ? The point of time is when the sword is rising out of the tomb, 
 wdlat kind of tomb should it be ? To make it a regular one would indicate Herver's hither had 
 the usual funeral rites performed, which the poem, I think, contradicts. Your reflections upon 
 this point will greatly oblige, 
 
 " Madam, 
 
 " Your most obedient h'''^ ser\-'' 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 " P.S. — Dr. Darwin, I hope, explained his mistake in returning the poem before I had 
 done with it. " 
 
 " May 5th, 1789. 
 
 Mr. H.wi.ev to Mrs. Haylev. 
 
 " I shall beg you & Mrs. Beridge to call upon friend Wright & tell him, from 
 me, that I & all the lovers of painting with whom I have conversed, since my return to town, 
 consider his pictures this year as the flower of the Royal Exhibition. His 'Dying Soldier' 
 made me literally shed tears, his ' Moon-light ' enchanted." 
 
 • Aullior of "Louisa, a Poetical Novel," 17S2, ami "Original Sonnels," J799. 
 
82 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 "Towards the end of August, 1776, Hayley and Mrs. Hayley went to Derby for the 
 pleasure of congratulating their friend Dr. Beridge on a most seasonable marriage, that restored 
 him from a state of perilous discomfort to health and happiness. This visit was productive of 
 various delights. Mayley not only sympathised in the happiness of the restored Physician, 
 hut in the weeks that he passed under his friend's roof he had the gratification of cultivating 
 an intimacy with Wright, the admirable painter of Derby, who, having injured his health by 
 too assiduous application to his art, had great comfort in the kind attention he received from 
 the friendly physician, & took a pleasure in executing for Hayley two hasty portraits in 
 chiaro-oscuro of Mrs. Beridge & her husband, after painting for the Doctor the Poet of 
 Sussex and his 'Eliza.'"* 
 
 The following is extracted from the " Life of Wm. Hayley, Esq." by John Johnson, LL.D., 
 Rector of Welborne, in Norfolk: — "Hayley went to Cambridge in 1763. Here he formed an 
 intimate friendship with Thornton, Beridge, & Clyfford, whose custom it was to breakfast 
 together in the apartments of each othi^r. Hayley devoted some months of the year 1772 to 
 his highly-valued friend Beridge, who had settled as a physician at Derby. Hayley then 
 copied in water-colours two bold sketches of scenery near Matlock, lent to him by the very 
 amiable artist Wright, of IX-rby, with whom he began this year an intimacy that lasted to 
 the death of the painter, who frec^ucntly in his letters consulted his friend of Sussex on the 
 subjects of his pencil." 
 
 The following extract is from the Quarterly Review, "Memoirs, &c., of Wm. Hayley" — 
 
 " Hayley 's son (Thomas Alphonso, the sculptor), was then in his thirteenth year. . . 
 It had been Hayley's first intention to educate his son for the profession of physic, but many 
 circumstances combined to gi\'e him a strong inclination for that of the arts. During a visit to 
 Mrs. Hay ley, W'right, ol Derby, perceived in him so much aptitude for painting, that he 
 took pains in instructing him ; and upon the report of his progress, Flaxman wrote to his father, 
 saying, ' If }"ou ha\"e not quite determined to make him a physician, and it you think he has 
 talents for the Fine Arts, show yourself my friend indeed, and accept my ofter as frankly as 
 I make it.' " 
 
 The offer was accepted, but this promising young artist died, after a long ilhicss, a few 
 years later. 
 
 Extract from a letter from T. A. Hajdcy to his lather, the poet : — 
 
 " Your letter to Mr. Wright, I dehvered to his daughter, who happened to be with us 
 when it arri\'ed, and he has been since so g(.iod as to gi\'c me a few instructions in di'awing." 
 
 "A cordial friendship had long existed between Wright, the admirable painter, of Derby, 
 and the father of Alphonso ; but the latter, in writing to his friend, had only recjuested him 
 to gratify the little traveller with the permission of someLimes passing a leisure hour in his 
 
 * These inteicsting [lortrails of Mr. and Mrs. Hayley are now in the possession of the Rev. German Biickston. 
 
WRIGHT OF DKRBY. 
 
 83 
 
 painting-room, and with the indulgence of seeini,' him exercise his pencil. The amiable artist, 
 with that warm benevolence which formed a striliing part of his character, went beyond the 
 request ot his old friend, and being more and more pleased with the intelligence, spirit, and 
 docility of his little visitor, spontaneously bestowed on him such repeated instructions, as perfectly 
 awakened in him a passion and a genius for art, which, lacing afterwards inspirited by the 
 affectionate encouragement of his father, of Romney, and of Flaxman, ultimately changed his very 
 early professional destination from medicine to sculpture." 
 
 Mr. ILwLEV TO Mrs. Hayley. 
 
 " I am infinitely pleased with the first-fruits of the little man's northern pencil, and 
 charmed with the kindness of my friend Wright, in condescending to instruct such an urchin." 
 
 T. A. Hayley to Mr. H.wley. 
 
 " I continue to draw, and you will be glad to hear with the approbation of m\- great 
 master. I shall have a great collection of performances to show you when we meet. I hope 
 it will not be long before that hapjjy moment arrives." 
 
 Mr. Hayley to T. A. Havlev. 
 
 " I did not, I believe, send your medallion of Romney to our amiable friend 
 Wright. I wish you to present him such a becoming mark of your gratittide for tlie extreme 
 kindness that w-e have ever received from him. Would to heaven I could send him a good portion 
 of health and spirits to attend your interesting offering to the very amiable invalid. From all 
 of him I collect from Meyer, I fear his pencil has been very inactive for some time. I alwavs 
 grieve when men of talents are condemned by ill-health to involuntary indolence ; and I doubly 
 grieve when that misfortune falls upon a friend whose works I have often survejed with 
 delight." 
 
 The following letter relates to the picture of the " Alchymist," now belonging to the 
 Derby Corporation Art Gallery, having been presented to that Town as a memorial to the 
 painter, by a few of his admirers, in 1SS3 ; — 
 
 '' Dear Wright, 
 
 " Dr. Turner will in his letter be more particular than I can possibly be on a 
 subject to which I am a stranger. I have conceived that the chemist should be sittincr on 
 
84 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 this Hide the table, & turning his head towards ghiss upon his assistant exclaiming upon the 
 first appearance of the him 1 nous exhahition from the Retort into receiver of the phenomenon. 
 The lamp is still under the influence of the blast of wind remaining in the bellows below 
 which the chemist has been using in another process. Whether this idea of the Hame will 
 in the least answer your purpose you alone can judge ; you will wonder when you are told that 
 I am painting History without figure. Landscape without trees, and Shipwreck without water, 
 Mrs. Burdctt joins me in love, compliments, and everything else to your Family. 
 
 " Yrs sincerely, 
 
 -]. V. HURDI-TT. 
 
 " Li\-erpool, Feby, 4, 1771." 
 
 From a letter on page 2;, it appears that Wright took this picture with him to Rome in I7;4, 
 where it was much admired. 
 
CONVERSATIOiN" PIECE. 
 Three Children, Richard, Robert, and Peter (Sons of Richard Arkwright). 
 
 Original pu/in-e in possession of Mr. F. C. Avkwri^lil, U'llhrshy, Ciomford, Derbyshire. 
 
i 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
8s 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 / 
 
 Correspondence of Wright with Mr. Daulby and Mr. J. L. Philips. — 
 The Shakespeare Galler'i" Pictures. — Dispute about Prices. 
 
 "Derby, December 31" 1779. 
 
 " To D. D.\ULBV. 
 
 "The Empress of Russia has taken nito Her capital collection my two pictures 
 
 of ' Vesuvius ' & the ' Girandole,' and given me 500 g' for them which is a good reward 
 
 accompanied with high honour — 40 g* to a friend is as little as 1 can take for the picture 
 you saw of the Fireworks, if you mean that, if not it will depend upon ye size & finishing 
 of any other.'' 
 
 "To D. D.^ULiiY. "4"'' June 1780. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " If nothing material happens to prevent me, 1 intend sending by Shawcross on 
 Monday morning, directed for M'- Tate as you desire, the picture of the ' Girandolo ' which 1 
 hope will get safe to hand, and meet with your and your friend's approbation. It is one of 
 the highest finished pictures I have painted. Cost me upwards of si.x weeks study, and wa.s 
 put into ye e.xhibition at 100'"- As you are only to send me forty (which I must beg you to keep 
 secret) you must look upon it parriy as a compliment on M'- Tate's account, and in some 
 degree a compliment to yourself as a well-wisher to and encouragcr of the arts. With respect 
 to the i^ayment, I would wish you to suit your convenience : any time in the cotirse of the 
 next year will be agreeable to me. 
 
 " I have made no alteration in the picture, as I could not with advantage, but most sincerel)" 
 wish there had been such a Rocket as you wish for. To add it now would destroy too 
 much ye unity of the picture." 
 
86 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 "To D. Daulby. "Derby, Nov 14"' 17S5. 
 
 " Deak Sir, 
 
 " The cavern with the figure of ' Juha,' which I exhibited in the spring, is stil! 
 in my possession. It was esteemed by the artists the most sublime picture I ever painted. 
 & so I thinl; myself. A rising moon always conveys to me great majesty. 
 
 1 think myself much honoured by your society. Pray make my best compt' to all the 
 members, and believe me your much obliged friend, 
 
 " JOS" WRIGHT." 
 
 ■■ I am going to have my picture of ' Gibraltar ' rafiled for by eighty subscribers at five 
 gumeas a ticket. The subscription is not yet opened publickly, though 1 have several names 
 tlown. 
 
 " Danl. Daulby, Jun., Esq.. 
 " Liverpool. ' 
 
 " My Dear Sir, 
 
 " Many thanks are due to you for the trouble you have had in negotiating the 
 business between Mr. Hardman and myself, and of which I shall retain a grateful 
 remembrance, as I have had repeated jiroofs of your attention to my best interest, & even 
 in your last letter have anticipated my wish of making my intention of disposing of the picture 
 of ■ Gibraltar ' by subscription as much known as possible in the circle of your acquaintance, 
 for it is not lawful without an act of parliament to advertise a Raffle. I must, therefore, be 
 obliged to my friends to declare my intention of having eighty subscribers at five guineas. I 
 hope your friend Mr. Hardman will not mention the price he gives for the pair of caverns, as I 
 have always had fifty guineas a piece for them of that size. 
 
 " You say you hope I will excuse the free thoughts you have intrusted me with respecting 
 the large cavern with the figure of 'Julia.' 'Tis the privilege of friends to be open to each other, 
 and if I knew what you really wished I would most certainly accommodate myself to your 
 inclinations. Will you have the picture sent to you ? If you approve of it keep it. and pay me 
 for it as shall best suit your convenicncy. If you do not like it return it, and we shall both be 
 pleased, for as it was esteemed by the artists the most sublime picture I ever painted, I doubt 
 not but I shall one day or other dispose of it : and believe me, dear sir, with much esteem, 
 
 " \ ours sincerely, 
 
 ^ , , "JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 " Derby, Jan. 14, 1 7S6. 
 
 " Danl. Daulby, Jun., Esq., 
 
 " Liverpool." 
 
 , „ , ,^ , " Derby, Feby. 7"- 1 7S6. 
 
 To J. Daulby, Jun. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " By the time this reaches you, I hope ' Julia ' will be near her journey's end. 
 I sincerely hope she will arrive in good condition, and that ' Abraham ' and ■ Isaac ' will not be 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 87 
 
 found to have lain too hard upon her. 1 did everything in my power to keep her untouched 
 and spotless. I should have sent the picture off sooner, but the week the man who I trust 
 to pack my pictures was out, and the 2"^ Shawcross, after promising me to take it, neglected 
 it. 'Tis directed to Mr. Tate, and to go by land carrier. 
 
 " 1 am persuaded by my friends to take the fashionable tour of the Lakes ne.xt Autumn. 
 1 sounded my dear friend Tate upon the scheme, but have not heard from him since. If 
 we go your company will be a happy addition, but I would have the party small, none 
 engaged in it but draftsmen, for reasons too obvious to need mentioning. 
 
 " I am, 
 
 " Dear Sir, with much esteem, 
 
 " Yours very sincerely, 
 
 •■JOS»- WRIGHT. 
 
 " Dan' Daulby, Jun., Esq' 
 " Liverpool." 
 
 " Derby, March 25"' 1786. 
 
 " De.^r Sir, 
 
 " 1 was sorry to be informed by our friend Tate of your indisposition, and that 
 you are still, by your own accts. a crijiple. Dr. Darwin, a very eminent physician of this 
 town, is very much disposed to gout, and he told me while he continued in the use of wine 
 he was affected with it. He left it off, and drank nothing but ale and small beer. Still he 
 had fits of it, but much weakened. He then disused ale, drank nothing but small beer, still 
 he had a little gout about him. He has for some time past drank nothing but water, and 
 now he has no gout at all. If this practice does not coincide with your opinion, I know your 
 good sense will excuse me taking the liberty of mentioning to you, as your well-being is the 
 sole motive. 
 
 " To Dan' Daulby, Esq' 
 " Liverpool." 
 
 " Derby, Oct 5''' 1 7S6. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Mr. Smith gives this discription, which I have just received, of the parts of 
 your little picture : — ' The view is on the shore of Posilipo in particular. The houses nearest in 
 view form part of the village of Mare Chiare, a place much frequented by the lower class of 
 people in Naples to spend the summer evenings. They generally go by water, and are regaled 
 with hard eggs & good Falernian wine (the usual repast brought from the neighbourhood of 
 Pozzouli). The otiier house or palazzo on the Hill in the distance is called the pallace of 9 
 windows, but is inhabited only by servants. When you see my good friend Turner make my 
 
88 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 best regards to him, and say how much I am obhged to him & his fritrnd M'' Whiatt for his 
 accurate account of Shakespear's scenes. I am, dear sir, with much regards, 
 
 Yours, 
 
 ''J. WRIGHT. 
 
 " To Danl. Daulby, Esqre." 
 
 " Derby, Sep 4"' 1 787. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " How welcome arc the good tidings ol returning health to my dear Tate, 
 which you have so kindly communicated to me. May heaven speedily restore him to his 
 former health & vigour. No disease more compleatly debilitates the frame than a nervous or 
 putrid fever ; and, if I have observed right, there is none, considering the state the body is 
 reduced to, from which it is sooner reinstated. His premeditated attack upon the cold roast beef 
 was, I think, a very favourable presage of the above observation. 1 sincerely hope he made an 
 excellent repast, and feels the good effect of it. Make my love to him with every good wish for 
 his felicity, in which this family most cordially joins with me, and hope to have the pleasure of 
 seeing hini here when convenient to him. I am going for ten days (it it agrees with me) to 
 Matlock. The Baths served me some time ago, but from a particular circumstance, being obliged 
 to ride four & twenty miles the day I left, which so fatigued me, my complaints returned upon 
 me, nor can I wear them off. 
 
 " 'Tis now ahnost four months since I touched a pencil. Have no particular complaint 
 but general debility, which has reduced me to so torpid a state I feel no inclination to 
 piu'sue my art. 
 
 " I am. Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your most obedient serv' 
 
 JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 " M' Jn" Leigh Philips, 
 " Manchester." 
 
 "5 May, 17S9. 
 
 Mv Dear Sir. 
 
 "I did not intend fixing a price upon my pictures in the Exhibition till I got to 
 Town, but having just received a letter from M'- Heath to know if the picture of the ' Dead 
 Soldier' was disengaged, and what value I set upon it, it becomes necessary at once to fix the 
 prices of those you enquire after, and to have your answer by return of post, as I must answer 
 M'- Heath's letter. The picture of the ' Dead Soldier," framed, loog'- 'Boy and Girl with a 
 Bladder,' 5og'- ' Girl with a Charcoal Stick,' 40^'- 
 
 " I am very happy it was in my power to afford you and your friends rational entertain- 
 ment while with me, The felicity was mutual, believe me ; and that I am very sincerely 
 yours, 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 " St. Ellens, 
 
 "5 May, 17S9. 
 
 " My best compliments attend the ' Triumvirate,' in which M"' Wright begs to join." 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 89 
 
 " Derby, Dec. 4, 1 7S9. 
 
 " My Dear Sir, 
 
 "Pray how is my friend Tate? He has given of late but a iaad account oi 
 himself ; is obhged to live with yrcat uniform temperance, and deny himself that conviviality 
 he is so w-ell calculated for. I wrote to him some little thne ago, part of which letter I make 
 no doubt but you are acquainted with, as it was my wish you should. You see I have enough 
 of the Devil in me to wish to retaHate upon the misguided Alderman (Roydell), who I hear 
 loses ground very fast, and will shortly have none to work for him but his half-starved 
 creatures. 
 
 " I am engaged at present and shall be for some time with portraits, so that my historical 
 pictures are, I fear, very distant. However, I do not lose sight of them, and as the hour's 
 exercise I daily take on horse-back seems to contribute much to my health, I hope to be a 
 tiptoe by and by to attack 'em. 
 
 " However light my friend Smith made of the gout when you was with him. it has proved 
 a serious affair to him. subjecting him to much pain and a long disuse of his pencil. Pity it 
 is a man's industry should prove an evil to him, and his laudable endeavours to provide for 
 his tender offspring frustrate its own intention. Adieu, my good friend, and believe mc yours 
 very sincerely, 
 
 "JOS^ WRIGHT." 
 " St. Ellens, 24 June, 1791. 
 
 " Mv Dear Sir, 
 
 " Yesterday 1 received a letter from the Sec^-" of the Spring Gardens Exhibition 
 to know the price I had fixed upon the picture of " Anligonus," a gentleman having applied 
 for it, and desired him to write to me. Mr. Barrow, the Sec^ told him the conditions which 
 1 meant to part with the large pictures, namely, that they should be engraved from, by capital 
 artists (which was not strictly what I meant). To this he had no objection, and assured him 
 if he purchased the picture it should be engraved by M'' Middiman, or some artist ot equal 
 reputation. It should seem from hence the person who is about the picture buys it w ith an 
 intent to have a plate made from it, which will preclude my having it done by Heath, though 
 from what you said to me last on that head, there are little grounds for hope of that ever 
 taking place. Pray do you know the character of Mr. Middiman as an engraver? 
 
 " I should not have troubled my friend with this business (tho' I am at all times and all 
 occasions happy to have his advice) had not my friend Tate, when last here, asked the price 
 of the 'Storm' for your Brother, M'- H. Philips, at which time I did not give him a decisive 
 answer. Therefore 1 think it incumbent on me, before I treat with the Gendeman, to inform 
 you the price is loog'* and shall be glad of your answer by return of post if convenient. 
 
 " The extremely cold weather immediately succeeding very hot, has diseased me very 
 nmch. I have had for some time past a nervous fever hanging about me, and am now much 
 
90 
 
 " WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 disturbed with an inflammation on my liver. Art stands still. Adieu, my good friend, and 
 believe me, with much respect, 
 
 " Yours very sincerely, 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT." 
 
 "Derby, Sep. 24''' 1792. 
 
 " My Dear Philips, 
 
 " This morning I have sent off by Shawcross a case addressed to you, containing 
 the book of drawings after Mic. Angelo, and a shght sketch of a wild scene which I painted 
 some years ago. I looked it up the other day, and if you think it worth a place in your 
 collection, please accept it with my esteem. 
 
 "The picture of the ' Ponte Salerno' is in such a state I shall not be able to finish it at 
 present. I retouched the sky some time ago & some other parts of the picture, & the colours 
 arc changed in a most abominable manner. One never can depend upon fresh colours laid on 
 old. I hope the little picture I have sent you will not share the same fate. I have finished 
 the 'Storm' except the figure of Antigonus. Your Brother Frank seemed to like it much; 
 indeed those who have seen it give it the preference to the other. I have brought ye ship 
 nearer, which heightens the distress of the scene ; and being much larger, the masts go above 
 the horizon, and make a ballancc to the other side of the picture. 
 
 " I am going to begin a cottage on fire for a Gentleman at Bristol. He has offered me 
 50g^- to Imish it highly. I have also finished Tate's ' Moon-light,' which is much admired. 
 I think I shall send it with the 'Storm,' not by way of receiving the cash — for that I forbid — 
 but to give you taste and pleasure, for I flatter myself it will. Perhaps if he has no place to 
 hang it, you would give it house room till wanted. 
 
 "When I have thought a little more about manufacturing pictures, and have digested a 
 plan for such business, I shall like it much, if I can get a sale for them. I have got two or 
 three on the stocks. The one is finished, the other far advanced. The finished one is on a 
 pannel, which I had by me, but the smooth surface is not calculated for expedition. The 
 subject is 'The Lake of Albano,' sun-sct. Being done from one pallet, there is great unity and 
 harmony in the colouring. When you have received the case, pray give me a line, for I 
 shall wish to know Mic. Angelo is safe in your possession. Adieu, my good friend. Give 
 my respects to M"' Philips and all my friends, in which comp'- Romana wishes to unite. 
 
 " I am, very sincerely yours, 
 
 -J. W. 
 
 "To J. L. Philips." 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 91 
 
 " Nov. 29''' 1 792. 
 
 " My Dear Sir, 
 
 "To have read such flattering accounts of my picture from all hands is highly 
 satisfactory to me, and none more so than the last. With respect to the payment, as you are 
 so kmd to take my cash into your hands, I wish you would place it with the rest, and in a 
 few posts 1 will remit between 5 & .^600 to be added to the other sums. I thank you for 
 your friendly advice about the ' Indian Widow,' and tell our friend Tate, who I suppose will 
 communicate it to M'- McNiven, that in consideration of a little of his assistance to lay out 
 my property to advantage, I will deduct log'- I sent it off by Shawcross last Monday, and 
 hope it will be safe in Manchester ere this gets to hand. I have remembered the oudine of 
 • Vesuvius ' for friend Tate, which I should think may be enveloped in smoke, but no fire 
 should appear, indeed the hot Lava does not show itself by daydight. 
 
 " I am glad to hear plates are in readiness for Mic. Angelo. I fear 1 shall never do my 
 part ; my hand is too unsteady now for lines. Adieu, my good friend. Romana wishes to 
 join in best remembrances to you & M"- Philips & your family, to our dear friend Tate, Mr. 
 Moreland, &c. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your much obliged friend, 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 "Derby, Nov. 29"' 1792." 
 
 "Pray what is your opinion of the Stocks at this time.' I have a little property in, and 
 have some thoughts of selling out. I bought in about 76. The little picture on pannel is too 
 square; the right measure of ye frame at the end should cover i/S'" in., and ye top and 
 bottom 1/2", which will bring the picture into better proportion." 
 
 The Plates for Mic. Angelo here alluded to evidently refer to the reproduction on 
 copper of some of Wright's sketches from the " Sistine Chapel," for we find Wright sending 
 the sketches to Philips on Sep. 24th, 1792. There is in existence an impression from copper 
 of one of them, partly in aquatint, but whether from the hand of Wright or Philips it is 
 now impossible to say. 
 
 "Derby, 31"' Dec, 792. 
 
 " My Dear Sir, 
 
 " Enclosed I send you Mess"- Crompton's Draught on Mess"- Ayton, .Brassey, 
 Lees, li Co., their Bankers, Lombard Street, for /460, payable in fourteen days, which you 
 will be kmd enough to acknowledge the receipt of as soon as you can make it convenient. 
 What you said in your last respecting money matters makes an apology on this account 
 unnecessary. Nevertheless, I must say I feel the obligation very sensibly ; and now let me 
 thank you for a Barrel of e.xcellent oisters. Your Brother H. spent part of a day with us. 
 
92 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 I w-as in a workinc; humour, so I did not let his visit stop the progress of my pencil. He sat 
 by me, and seemed pleased with the rapid advance of my picture, for it was one of my play- 
 things, or sketches that I was engaged with, which, with six others, I intend to send you 
 next week for yours and my friends' inspection. ' A Morning Effect of the Lake of Albano ' 
 is a companion to Wilson's ' Evening Effect,' for my dear friend Tate. I wish it may be 
 found a meet one. I have just prepared a canvas the size of Tate's ' Moonlight,' for an 
 evening effect on another view on the River Tay at Dunkeld, which, if care and study will 
 accomplish it, I intend it to be the best picture I ever painted. I know not how it is, tho' I 
 am engaged in portraits and made a complete dead colour of a half length yesterday, I find 
 myself continually stealing off and getting to Landscapes. 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT." 
 
 "Derby, 17''' January, 1793. 
 
 " My Dear Friend, 
 
 " I am glad to fmd, by my friend Tate, the box of Sketches are got safe to hand, 
 and that vou approve of them. They ought, as my friend may see by the direction, to have 
 been delivered almost a week ago. I can't help doing too much to them as sketches, and if 
 any other person than yourself was to have the culling of them, 1 should certainly charge 
 somethiniT more for those that were selected. You are then indebted to me for three 30g', and 
 if Tate cannot get more for the remaining four, they must go at that price. I am .sorry your 
 Brother Hy. did not fix the price for ' Antigonus,' as he knew all the circumstances. He was 
 certainlv the proper person to have done it, but since it is left to me, I must ob-scrvc, I have 
 no claim upon him for more than loog', as I offered him the other picture for that sum ; but 
 in justice to myself I must say it deser^•es more, considering the pains I took with it, and 
 the charoes of the frame, &c., amounting to near ^ij ; but whether he chooses to give me 
 the advanced price, /i20g~-, must be at his option. 
 
 " Very Sulcerely, 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 " I am sorry I cannot fulfil my engagement wath M'' Moreland. M'- Gisborne does not 
 think himself at liberty to divulge Smith's mode of washing with water colours. 
 "To M'' J. L. Philips." 
 
 " Feby. 26, 1 793. 
 
 " My Dear Sir, 
 
 " M'- W'"- Hardman called last night. 1 showed him the pictures by candle-light, 
 but I don't think he could see them well. They did not seem to reach his feelings, except a 
 small one of an eflect of fire, seen through a dark group of trees, with a large piece of water 
 refiecting the objects about it. Had he not in his possession the cottage, I believe he would 
 have purchased it. 'Tis a new .subject, and rather a favourite with me. If there should be 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 93 
 
 an exhibition lliis year, independent of ye Royal Academy, I perliaps may show it to the 
 pubhc, as also the companion to the ' Moonlight,' in my friend Tate's hands, which, now being- 
 near finished, and if I Hatter not myself, will be a tolerable picture. 'Tis full of air, and has 
 depth, two nccessar\- requisites for a Landscape. 
 
 " I have a great inclination to send you this fire piece to look at. 1 think it would 
 give you pleasure. If Manchester was nearer I certainly would. 
 
 "How goes Mic. Angelo on? Can you give me proof o{ your abilities yet? 
 
 " I often wish I lived with you, that my productions might receive the benefit of your 
 strictures ere they go out into the world, & myself enjoy your friendly conversation ; but un- 
 let is cast otherwise. Adieu, my dear friend, and whether near or distant, beheve me ever 
 yours, 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 "J. L. Philips." 
 
 "King Street, Feby. to, 1704. 
 
 " Mv De..\k Sir, 
 
 "The day after you left us I set to work U[>on the picture of 'Vesuvius,' tn 
 remove the stiffness of the line of Lava made across it (and which always dissatisfied me), by 
 bringing the trees more o\ er it : but it would not do, for what pro\'ed beneficial to the one 
 was injurious to the other, by bringing the groupe of trees & rock much in a line, I ha\-e 
 therefore illuminated the ground, over which the I.,ava is about to pass, verv strongly, set fire 
 to the plants & raised a fresh smoke, which here & there passes across the lava, & effectually 
 does the business. 1 have also increased the quantity 6k brilliancy of the smoke which arises 
 from the upper surface of the lava, so that the centre of the picture is more lighted up, & 
 the general effect much improved. I have added the forked lightning, which ever attends the 
 dark smoke, & which increases the horror of the subject without disturbing the eflect ; and 
 on Tuesday 1 intended putting in ye figures & the finishing touches to your picture, when, 
 alas ! 1 was suddenly seized with the sore throat & fever, a common complaint here. My 
 lungs (a weak part) ha\e suffered much. 1 have a very bad cough ; my frame is much 
 debilitated ; the fever is abated. Thank you for your attention (which is e\x-r awake to serve 
 your friends) to ye exhibition business. As they have long ago llinnuii me 011 l/icir shelf, I 
 do not leel inclined to sue for protection, but perhaps when my nerves are more settled 1 
 may see it in another light. 
 
 " Yours most sincerely, 
 
 "J. \V." 
 
 " Your picture of ' Vesuvius,' and one at Dunkeld, would have been at Manchester 
 belore now, had not the frames of the pictures which 1 exhibited been materially damaged 
 at the Academy. M'- Milbourne has orders to put theiu into good condition, & send them 
 to you when done. 
 
 "Derby, June 29, 1794." 
 15 
 
94 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 " Derby, Dec. 27, 1794. 
 
 " My Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your relation (Mr. N. Philips), to whojn I some time ago sold the picture of the 
 ' City ot Florence,' called upon me last week, & engaged the picture with the ' Rainbow,' the 
 'Cottage on Fire,' & the small 'Sea Storm/ which I find he intends sending to America. I 
 am sorry the two first leave th(i Kingdom. 
 
 "He seems anxious that I should paint him the 'Siege of Toulon,' for which he will not 
 
 exceed joo^'- The scenery must be very complicated, & so many objects & incidents cannot 
 
 be painted for that sum. I sometime ago refused a like sum for any sized picture I would 
 paint of the ' Siege of Gibraltar.' 
 
 '■ Did you not give me some hopes of seeing drawings by an officer of the engagement at 
 Toulon, or have I dreamt it ? Pray inform me soon, as I must satisfy Mr. Philips. 
 
 "JO^ WRIGHT." 
 
 " Your letter has poured balsam into my wound. I have heard nothing but 
 humiliating observations on my pictures, which have tended much to the inactivity of my 
 pencil for some time past. What a mere machine am 1 become, depressed and rendered useless 
 by a little censure, & put into motion again b\' a little flattery. I really believe my enemies 
 might easily persuade me I have no pretensions to paint. What a thing have these weak 
 nerves made of me." 
 
 " Ft^by., 1795. 
 
 "To J. L. Philips, 
 
 " I am sorry to learn from m)" friend Tate that he does not acquit liimselt in 
 the pictures oi the Lakes to his expectation. He is acquainted with m\' principles, such as 
 they are. I wonder he does not with more certainty avail himself of them ; but they are 
 different subjects, and I have sometime seen effects in ye country repugnant to common-sense 
 principles, and which I could by no means account for. I have a picture in hand of the 
 sort of Keswick Lake. 
 
 " Did you ])ick up much painting knowledge in your late visit to the Captain's, or only 
 the quackery of the art ? Would I had as much strength as the Captain, I ffauer myself I 
 would carry the art a great wa)'." 
 
 30 March, 1795. 
 
 " Mv Dear Sir, 
 
 " I am sorry to find Heath still procrastinates. He was to have begun on the 
 'Dead Soldier' in good earnest last Midsummer. Another is approaching fast, & nothing more 
 done to it. I despair seeing it finished, & many of the subscribers to my portion ot the prints 
 are dead. Well, patience, as the Italians say, & you ha\'e as much need of it as I. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 95 
 
 " The very severe winter we have had has almost demolished me. Just after Xmas I 
 paid a visit to my friend Gisbornc. It was a young triclc of me to sally forth at that time of the 
 year, but he tempted me with sending; his carriage ; and wrapping myself up in Flannels, I 
 thought myself invulnerable. Unfortunately for me it proved otherwise. I have been dreadfullv 
 ill ever since. I am now wounded at so many points. I despair of ever being well again. 
 1 have had Darwin's ad\'ice, and about a fortnight ago he ordered me to have a hot bath 
 every night, from 94 to 96 degrees of heat, in which I stay half-an-hour. It has certainlv 
 braced me, & removed some disagreeable sensations, but I am still too much oppressed to think 
 of handling the pencil, & what is worse I feel not ye least inclination to paint I am glad 
 to hear my friend Tate succeeds so well in water colors. I dare say when the application 
 of them is well understood, it is pleasant work. Make my best regards to him, to Mr. 
 Philips, and to all my friends, and believe me with much esteem yours most truly, 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT." 
 
 " May 29 /95- 
 
 " I wish for my own sake— as well as for your feelings— for I know you participate 
 in the good or ill which attends yoiir friends that I could give a better account of myself. I 
 have now been five months without e.-cercising my pencil, and without a hope that I shall 
 again resume it. I seem to have outlived my art, a reflection, tho' in no w'ay favourable to 
 the restoration of my health, will continually obtrude itself upon me. 
 
 " I am glad to hear my good friend has laiil hold of his brushes again. Paper and camel 
 
 hair pencils are better adapted to the amuseiuent of ladies than the pursuit of an artist. 
 
 Give my love to him, c& tell him he should not avail himself of my long silence, the effect 
 only of ill-health. I wish to hear from him. 
 
 " I understand by your relation y' you have built a steam house, which is productive 
 beyond credit, & that you are over-nm with cucumbers. If this is really the case, pray let 
 2 or 3 run o^■er to Derby. Am not I very impudent?" 
 
 " Derby Oct 2"^ 1795- 
 
 " Mv Dk.vr Sir, 
 
 '■ I take up my pen with much pleasure to communicate to my dear friends at 
 Manchester, ' who participate in my welfare,' that a few days ago, after a truce to my pencil for 
 ten dreadful months, I felt the dawn of inclination to resume it, and on Friday last made, 
 with trembling hands, some feeble efforts. Disuse and the loss of much strength has made 
 the employment rather vexatious, but facility will come in proportion to my practice. 
 
 " I thought I should never have had it in ni)- power to finish the pictures your relative 
 engaged, but they are now within a few hours of being compleated. 
 
96 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 " The picture of the little elegant bit of scenery at R\dal], wliich my friend Holland 
 mentioned to you, is not near Ijeing finislied. Flie water indeed is furtlier advanced tlian ye 
 rest of )'C picture, for I was i<een to produce an effect vvhicii I l:ad ne\'er seen in painting 
 of shewing the pebbles at the bottom of the water \\"ith the broken reflections on its surface. 
 But I have not succeeded to my wish, & Holland, who sees all my works thro' the most 
 partial medium, has colored his description too high!}'. So highl)' finished is that little liit ot 
 nature that to do it justice it shotild be painted upon )'e spot. 
 
 " Your account of the Isle of !\lan makes me wish to see it. We often see fine shaped 
 rocks than fine coloured ones : the patches of different colours are not large and distinct 
 enough to ha\'e effect at a distance. The difierent hues are produced by small mosses rather 
 than by original colotirs in the stones. 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT.'' 
 Derby, Dec iS* 1795. 
 
 My Dh.\r Sir, 
 
 " I am at all times \-ery happy to hear from you, and if at any time there is 
 the appearance of omission, the multiplicity of your avocations make your apology. 
 
 " I have had too many substantial proofs of your attention to my interest to doubt ye 
 sincerity of your friendship to me. I should be highly to blame, without cause, to deprive 
 myself of so inestimable a blessing. 
 
 " I have put the last touches to your little finished bit of scenery of ' Rydal Waterfall,' 
 which )0u have commissioned me to send \-ou, which I will do as soon as it is dry enough 
 10 pack safely ; but, that )-ou may not take it upon the character of my friends, who, as I 
 said before are partial and sanguine, you shall, if it meets not with your entire approbation, have 
 the power of retmaiing it. Your feelings upon the occasion may be different to theirs, and I 
 would not have you buy a pig in a poke. It is a very intricate subject, and I never wished 
 m\"self out of a wood so much in my life. 
 
 I shall continue to work a little almost every day, & if the spasms upon my lungs 
 keep off I hope to gain strength. I cannot describe the pleasure I feel upon resuming the 
 pencil when I am tolerably well. 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT." 
 
 " I have sent off to Nottingham your kinsman's pictures, where they are to remain 
 sometime 'ere they are to be sent to America." 
 
 " Derby, 1 1 Apl., 1 796. 
 " Illduck ever attends m\' pursuits. A few days after you left me, I was again 
 visited with an asthmatic fit, which was in a day or two succeeded by a second, whereby I 
 was so debilitated I could not employ my pencil at all for many days, & have not since 
 
WRIGHT OF DERB\ 
 
 97 
 
 found ni)' exertions equLil to the great picture ; have therefore given up all thoughts of 
 exhibiting it this year at least, whatever I may be induced another, but, from abuses I have 
 received from the Academy. I never feel very anxious to get among them. They are in 
 general an illiberal set of men, & the less one has to do with 'em the better. 
 
 " JO^ WRiGHT.'* 
 
 Wright painted two pictures for Alderman BoN dcH's Shakspeare Gallcr\", viz : — " Prospero 
 in his cell, showing a visionary spectacle to I-'erdinand & !\I iranda," for which he received 
 300 guineas; and "The Storm in the 'Winter's Tale,'" for which 140 guineas was paid. 
 
 Wright addressed the following letter to the Alderman respecting the former picture : — 
 
 " Derby, 12''' March, 1789. 
 
 SiK, 
 
 " I should have sent you the dimensions of the picture by return of post, but it 
 was till to-day so folded up it could not be measured with any accuracy. ^ The exact size is 
 1 2ft. o^\\^. by Sft. 6in.. to hang Iiorizon tally. It will be necessary to have a good straining 
 frame, with the inner edge well rounded off. for if left square it always makes a mark in 
 the picture. The reason I mention a fresh straining or wedging frame is, the one the j^icture 
 is on has been cut in so many places to accommodate it to my painting room ; it is too 
 weak to use again ljut for the purpose of [jainting on, if I should again have occasion for 
 so large a one. 
 
 " The picture is now linished. iniless a fresh eye discover anything in a few days to be 
 corrected. I most heartily unite with you in wishing I may make a conspicuous figure in 
 your exhibition. 
 
 "The picture by the time you will want it, will, I hope, be dry enough to roll upon a 
 cyhnder without damage, which 1 think the safest way of sending it, for it is much too large 
 to go hat. 
 
 " I am, Sir, 
 
 " Your \'ery humljle Serv'' 
 
 JOSEPH WRIGHT. 
 
 " Mr. Alderman Boydell, 
 " Cheapside, 
 
 " London." 
 
 Before Wright painted the Bear in the " Storm," he wrote to Gilpin for his opinion, 
 who sent him some sketches of Bears (one of which was introduced in the picture), with the 
 following letter : — * 
 
 Now in possession of the writer. 
 
98 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 " Knio;htsbriclgc, Wednesday. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I send you the enclosed sketch as soon as possible, that I may have time to 
 make a more finished one if it does not answer your purpose. If it does not, please let 
 me know by return of post, and I will go a Bear hunting to the Tower, or somewhere or 
 
 other, and sketch one from nature, if possible I think with you, that the 
 
 pursuit is better than the horrid act of tearing. 
 
 Your sincere Friend and Servant, 
 
 " S. GILPIN." 
 
 Hayley, in his life of Romney, thus alludes to Wright and his engagement to paint for 
 Boydelfs Shakspeare Gallery:—" Nov. 4''' 1786. Mr. Josiah Ptoydell entertained the little 
 party ot friends to the projected Caller j' whom he has named in his preface to Shakspeare. 
 I wrote nothing- in its favour e.\cept a brief sketch, and a letter to engage my friend Wright, 
 of Derby, to paint for the Gallery. My application to Wright was made at the earnest 
 desire of the Alderman." 
 
 It appears that when the time for payment came, Wright was dissatisfied with what 
 Boydell offered to him for his picture of " Ferdinand and Miranda." W'hether Hayley, the 
 poet, who appears to have been the go-between for the painter & Boydell, placed the matter 
 before Wi'ight in such a light that Boj'dell did not afterwards appro \'e ol, it is now !m]:)0ssible 
 to say. Wright, however, wrote the following letter, which drew forth a characteristic reply 
 from Boydell, who adopts the usual plan of abusing the plaintiff." 
 
 " Derby, July 26''' 17S9. 
 
 "To Alderman Boydell. 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I understood by my friend M'- Hayley, that, forming a Gallery of pictures from 
 the works of Shakespeare was first agitated in a ];)rivate party, of which he was one ; that 
 the artists were to be classed, )"e lirst class to consist of Sir Joshua, M'"' West, M"' Ronme)', 
 &c., and your humble servant ; that those in that class were to have 3oog'- a picture, more 
 or less, according to tlie size & work they might ha\e in them ; and that he was e.Ktremely 
 happy to find the artists had entered upon this most laudable work with a spirit & liberality 
 that refiected the highest honour upon them, resolving to sacrifice interest to fame. On these 
 grounds I began and finished my picture upon the largest size then proposed. In the course 
 of executing my picture, which, through ill-health, was much protracted, I learnt from good 
 authority that ye original plan was quite deserted, that you bought pictures of any size (and 
 which were not designed for the Gallery\ and that the artists painted their subjects on such 
 sized canvasses as they thought proper, and made the best terms they could with you. This, 
 I have reason to believe, is the case, from what 1 saw and heard when in Town last. Upon 
 your asking me when in the Gallery (together) what I expected for my picture, I told you 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 99 
 
 that, being very remote from the scene of business, I was tinacquainted with the prices you had 
 given ; that I should Iea\'e m\"self to you, not doubtini^ but you would pay me as you had 
 ye rest, upon wihch, pointing to one of W'- Northcote's pictures. \-ou answered. We give llim 
 250g^- y\nd, pra)', said I, what do you give to M^' West for his ? Oh, rephed vou. was I to pay 
 all ye artists as I have done Ivl'- West, I might soon shut up the Gallery. 1 felt much mortified 
 at this unworthy treatment, for such I cannot but think it, and left you. 
 
 " Now, Sir, 1 knew at the time, and have been confirmed in it since, that )'ou ga\'e Sir 
 Joshua soog" for his small picture, and a very considerable fee besides ; also, that you gave 
 M'- West 500g' lor his picture, and yet you were paving the way to offer me a much less 
 sum. Is not my picture as large as M'- West's ? Has it not equal, nay, more, work in it ? 
 Is it not as highly finished ? And has not the public spoken as well of it ? Then why 
 should you attempt to make a difference in our price Till you can give me a satisfactory 
 reason why I should take less, I shall certainly expect the same. Had the work been carried 
 on by the artists, with that generous and laudable spirit which my friend Hayley held out to 
 me, I would h;ive scorned to ha\e been behind the most liberal of them ; but for me alone 
 to adhere to the first plan would be the highest folly, as I should thereby not only lose the 
 pecuniary advantage, but endanger my reputation, a point which I consider as of far greater 
 moment. 
 
 " I mentioned the circumstances to some of my friends in Town, & to others since my 
 return into the country, and they all agree that I have strong reasons to complain of )-our 
 treatment. 
 
 " I am. Sir, 
 
 " Your Obedient 
 
 "JOS" WRIGHT. 
 
 "P-S. — I heard also when in Town from very respectable Artists that you had agreed 
 to give M'' Copley looog' for his picture. If so, your conduct in this business is most 
 strange." 
 
 " Cheapside, At!g. 3 /S9. 
 
 "SiK, 
 
 " I sit down to answer the most e.xtraordinary Letter I ever yet received, wherein 
 you intorm me of a great many circumstances that I never heard of concerning the conduct 
 of a work that I thought I was somewhat acquainted nnth. 
 
 "You begin your letter by telling me that you understood that 1 had classed the Painters 
 according to their rank, and you gave me a list of the first class, in which you place your 
 own name. Now, Sir, I never presumed to class the Painters. I leave that to the public, 
 to whose opinion and judgment I bow with great reverence & respect. 
 
 " At the same time 1 am free to confess that had I ever presumed to have classed the 
 
lOO 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 historical painters of tliis country, perbiaps ]\['- Wright's name would not have stood exactly 
 where he has been pleased to place it himself. 
 
 " In the line of landscape, I confess it w^ould have been a different consideration. 
 
 " I fmd it would be too tedious to go throuLjh all the ridiculous assertions that your very 
 extraordinary Letter contains. I shall therefore leave you to enjoy your notions, however 
 unfounded, and proceed immediately to business, 1 never offered you any specific price for 
 your picture. You asked me what I had given for pictures of that size. I told you tile prices. 
 You knew that 300 guineas was the utmost stipulated sum, and, in one word. Sir, I will not 
 gi\'e you any more. 
 
 " And this 1 offer, not so much for the merits of the picture, as that you nor no man 
 may ha\e reason to complain of m)^ want of liberality. You are, indeed, the first that e\-er 
 has complained on this subject, with what justice 1 leave the world to judge. When 1 look 
 at the merits of the picture, it deserves no such sum ; for however excellent the landscape 
 part of it may be, the figures are very faulty, and so much out of drawing, that it will give 
 no little trouble to correct it for the engravers, 
 
 " As to whatever prices I have given, or may hereafter give to any artist, in this or any 
 other undertaking, 1 shall certainly not consult Air Wright, and his attempting to dictate to 
 me on this subject is perfectly ridiculous. 
 
 " I am. Sir, 
 
 " Your humble Servant, 
 
 ■■JOHN BOYDELL. 
 
 " Cop)", J. R. Harrison." 
 
 Notwithstanding the Alderman's disparaging remarks, Wright painted two other Shaksperian 
 subjects, viz.: "The Tomb Scene in Romeo & Juliet," and another of the "Storm," with 
 Antigonus pursued by a bear. The former he never sold ; the latter was purchased by Mr. 
 Henry Philips. 
 
 Reference to these two pictures will be found in the following correspondence : — 
 
 " Derb)-, jtmc 17''' 1790. 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " 1 cannot stomach the application you wish me to make to him, to come forward 
 in my defence. Nor if I could, do I think it would be of any use. Long, who, our fi-iend 
 Tate knows, is his most intimate friend, & wdiose judgment he holds in the first rank, is 
 intimately connected with tlic proprietors of the work. Therefore, there is but little room 
 to hope he would do anything to serve me, that would in any wise injure a work they 
 themselves were the first planners ol. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 lOI 
 
 " 1 am extremely obliged to you for the very flattering account you have sent me. 
 Things seem to work to our wishes, & the Alderman's conduct will, I hope, soon be completely 
 dissected. I much wonder that \'asari has not appeared again ere now. Perhaps he is 
 intimidated. There appeared an odd paragraph in one of ye papers a few jiosts a'-^o : ' The 
 Prince of Pick-pockets has given instructions to his attorney to prosecute a printer for a libel 
 on his character.' As yet nothing has appeared that will come under that denomination, / 
 hope. 
 
 " I would most willingly write to AP- Heath respecting plates being made from the two 
 pictures, but I hardly know what to propose to him ; & if, on account of the Picture of 
 ' Romeo & Juliet,' which has been so much decry'd, he should have objections, it might 
 embarrass him to decline it to me. "^'ou have had so much trouble on my account, I reall)- 
 am sorry to ask )-ou to write a short letter to sound him in the business ; but he would be 
 more explicit to you than me. 
 
 "J. WRIGHT." 
 
 " My de,\r Friend, 
 
 "The two pictures I exhibited last year in the R. Academy of 'Romeo & Juliet' 
 and Antigonus in the ' Storm,' were certainly painted too dark, sad emblems of my then 
 gloomy mind. I have simplified the back ground of the former, enlarged the parts, and 
 thrown more light into the Tomb, so that Julia is bright without being a spot; the 
 picture uf the ■ Storm,' I have near gone over the whole ; rendering the parts clear & distinct, 
 without weakening the character of Gloominess, and, if a man may be allowed to judge & 
 speak of his own works, they are much improved indeed. 1 wish Heath was to see 'em now. 
 1 think he would like them, & perhaps indulge us with plates from them. I have a 
 strange wish to see them well engraved as they are, though unworthy of adding to Boydell's 
 collection. I intended to have exhibited them at the Lyceum, but they* have quarrelled 
 amongst themselves and don't make one. Do you think Macklin would hang them in his 
 room a month or two, for I wish to have them better seen by the publick than they have 
 been. 1 communicate this to you to judge of because I well know you regard both my 
 interests & honour. I have heard nothing from Macklin respecting my painting for him. 
 Tom Tate some time ago told me that Rogers, of Liverpool, who is concerned in the 
 work, asked him if he thought, upon proper application being made, I would tnnlertake 
 any subjects, for it was much their wishes that I should be concerned. Macklin used me 
 querely in his first scheme. & his application, if he does not wish to engage me, will now 
 come with an ill grace. 
 
 ,.c I.U1 • "JO' WRIGHT. 
 
 " St. hllens, 
 
 " 14"' Feby., /gi." 
 
 * The Society of Arts, who built the Lyci 
 
I02 
 
 chaptp:r IX. 
 
 Death of Mrs, Wrh^ht. — RkmovI'S to Quefn Strtiit, Derrv. — Wright's 
 Last Ili^ness a\d DEArn. — j\Ir. J. Li-i(,h Philips on the Character of Wright. 
 — Sale of Wright's Pictures in London and Derhy.— Letters from J. 
 Holland and R e \ 'I' ii o s . G i s hor n f: . 
 
 N August ig''' 1790, Mrs. Wright died of consumption, aged 41. 
 This loss inrtictcd a crushing domestic blow to her husl:)and. whose 
 health now began; seriously to fail, and from his MS. Book we 
 are enabled by the following receipt to fix the time when Wright 
 left St. Helen's house (which was soon after pulled down), and by 
 the name ol the owner of the propert;', Mr. Bainbrigge, we are 
 enabled to identify the house in which Wright resided down to the 
 time of his death. The receipt is as follows : — 
 
 ■■ Mav I, I79v Settled with M' Wright for half a year's rent (Twenty pounds) 
 due Lady Dav last. 
 
 THOMAS BAINBRIGGE, Jun." 
 
 The house is No. 26, in Queen Street, and is the first house in the Parish of St. Alkmund — 
 St. Michael's being the adjoining parish. The Family \'auU was in St. Michael's Church, but we 
 find the Painter's family are interred in tlie church of the parish in which they lived. His 
 niece. Miss Wright, says: — "He remo\'ed to a house in Queen Street, near to St. Alkmund's 
 Ch. ; there the windows all looked into the street, or upon buildings at the back part. The 
 gardens being beyond them, it was a dull prospect for him." The house was roomy and 
 substantial, with a large garden, which in Wright's time would be open to the Cherry Orchard, 
 now Orchard Street. The premises now open into Chapel Street. This house afterwards became 
 the post office, until the year 1S40, and is now in the occupation of Mr. Allen. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 103 
 
 The buildings appcrir Co be in iiTJch the s^ime state now as they were at that time. 
 Some outbuildings obstrui-t the view of the garden, an archway giving the only glimpse of what 
 was then open country, and this peep was obtained by looking through a very pretty wrought iron 
 gate, no doubt from the hammer and anvil of Bakewell, who has left many examples of his 
 art and skill in the town and neighbourhood. A drawing of the gate is here given, as it is 
 worth V of [jrescrvation. 
 
 During the latter jaart of 1795 He bec-une too ill to use his pencil, and when his first 
 grandchild was born in 1796, he talked of introducing her in an unfinished portrait of her 
 mother, in the place of a music l)Ook, but the picture was left unaltered, as were the 
 portraits of his brother and his wife. He was so pleased with liis brother's portrait at the 
 first sitting, that he said " he should be afraid of touching it again, lest the likeness should 
 not be so good," and so it remained. 
 
 In the month of May, 1797, he took to his bed; about this time his nose bled to such 
 a degree as to prevent his lying down, and from the feeble state he was in, he had not 
 strength to hold up his head for long together. A broad ribbon was therefore tied to each 
 side of the head of the bed, upon which he rested his chin, and this simple contrivance 
 afforded him great relief. His sufterings, from a complication of diseases, were very great, 
 and he gradually became weaker. His daughter Harriet attended him night and day during 
 this his last illness, and on the afternoon of the 29th of August, 1 797, he expressed his 
 pleasure at having those around him he had always loved. About two hours before he died, 
 his friend, Mr. Tate, of Liverpool, having come to Derby, was anxious to sec him, and was 
 admitted. Wright seemed pleased to sec his old friend, though he could scarcely articulate, but 
 
 <l 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 he drew with his fingers upon the sheet, as if expressive of. the pleasure they former!)- enjoyed 
 together in following that pursuit. He was buried on September ist, 1797. in St. Alkmund's 
 Church, and the folloniiig inscription «-as placed on a tablet* erected to his memory : — 
 
 In the Middle Isle, Opposite to this Pill.^k, are Detosited the 
 Remains of Joseph Wright, Esq., 
 Painter. 
 
 He Died August 29TH, 1797, in the 63RD Year oe His Age. 
 
 His well carn'il Merit in his Works is shown, 
 Where Taste and Genius mark liim for their own. 
 
 On an old paper, on which was written the above couplet, there was also the following 
 Unes ; — 
 
 His age & Death alone are here expressed, 
 All friends to Taste and Genius know the rest. 
 
 Mr. Jno. Leigh Philips, who wrote an accountt of Wright shortly after his death, thus 
 writes of him : — 
 
 "In his person he was rather above the middle size, and when young was esteemed a 
 very handsome man ; his company was then much courted on account of his pleasing vivacity 
 and convivial habits; his eyes were prominent and very e.vpressive ; in his mannens" he was 
 unkl, unassuming, modest to an extreme, generous and full of sensibility, with the perfect 
 carriage a gentleman; honourable and punctual in all his transactions, he entertained the 
 
 • When Si. AIkmu,„r, Chureh was re-b„ll,, ,he Ubkl w., removed from ,he pillar and affixed to the wall^,^ the S«th""p|^. 
 + " Monthly Magazine," October t/th, 1797. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 105 
 
 most utter contempt for evcr)-thing like meanness or iilibcrality ; and his good heart felt btit 
 too poignantly for the misconduct ot others, 
 
 " I may truly observe ot him that he stedfastly acted on the principle of always continuing 
 to learn ; from conversation, from examining pictures, and, above all, from the studv of nature, 
 he was constantly endeavouring to advance in the knowledge of his art ; and to this habit, 
 as wise as it was modest, of considering himself through life as a learner, no small share of 
 his excellence may be ascribed. This disposition was naturally attended with a candid 
 readiness to adopt, from the practice of other artists, new modes of proceeding, when they 
 appeared to him rational, and to make trial in studies on a small scale of such as seemed 
 in a tolerable degree promising. 
 
 " We shall conclude our account of Mr. W'right, in his private capacity as a man, with 
 
 observing that he repeatedly evinced much liberality, by giving valuable pictures to individuals 
 
 among his private friends, or to persons to whom he thought himself obliged. In various 
 
 instances these gifts were manifestly disinterested ; and they were always conferred in a very 
 pleasing manner, which declined rather than sought the expression of gratitude. 
 
 " In addition to the character which he merits for the e\ecuti\-c part of his art, it is 
 pleasing to record, that in his works the attention is ever directed to the cause of virtue : 
 that his early historical pictures consist of subjects either of rational or moral improvement, 
 and he has succeedetl admirably in arresting the gentler feelings of humanity-, for what eye 
 or heart ever remained unmoved at the sight of ' Maria,' Sterne's ' Captive,' or the ' Dead 
 Soldier.' In his works 'not one immoral, one corrupted thought' occurs to wound the eye 
 of delicacy, or induce a wish that so exquisite a pencil had not found employment on more 
 worthy suljjects. His pictures may be considered as the reflexion of his own delicate mind, 
 and will be ranked by posterity as treasures worthy the imitation of succeeding generations." 
 
 The following letter from Mr. Philips to Dr. Wright is of interest 
 
 "Manchester, Nov. 18, 1797. 
 
 " De,vk Sir, 
 
 "\ou will receive herewith a dozen copies of my account of your late worthy 
 Brother, which I have got printed more carefully than was the case in the magazine, in which 
 several errors had escaped correction. Some few still remain as they were printed in London, 
 & I had no proof-sheet sent down. I will thank you to present a copy to Mr. Holland 
 when you have an opportunit)-, with my respecthil compliments. I have only to lament my 
 inability to do justice to the character of my much-valued friend, as it requires abilities much 
 beyond my scope to ]joint out the beauties of his works, which go far beyond every modern 
 effort of art, & I do not expect to live to see them equalled. 
 
 " Believe me, with great truth, 
 " Dear .Sir, 
 
 " Your faithful, hblc. servt, 
 
 "J. LEIGH PHILIPS. 
 " P.S.— My friend Tate brought me a mourning ring, for which accept my grateful thanks." 
 
io6 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 "Derby, I ron^ii^i-ate, 27 Nov., 1797. 
 
 " To Mr. Philips. 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I was honored with the parcel last Monday containing the copies of Memoirs 
 of my late Bro'= Life. I return you my most grateful thanks for them, and think myself much 
 obliged for the very great attention you have shewn in publishing the History of my Brother's 
 Life, wherein you have e.Khibited with great judgment and accuracy everything needful to 
 adorn his character and abilities. The errors you have corrected in the Magazine are 
 considerable, and make the production more valuable. 
 
 RICH" WRIGHT." 
 
 Prefixed to this notice of Wright, by Mr. Philips, was an engrived portrait of the artist 
 by Blake. 
 
 Amongst the effects of the late Mr. Geo. Cumberland, who was an intimate friend of 
 
 Blake's, was found an etching, evidendy the one that served Blake as his copy, on which is 
 
 written, "Wright, of Derby; etched by himself" This is the only instance known of W'right 
 having tised the etching point. 
 
 I am indebted to Mr. Wm. Edkins, not only lor this inlormation, liut tor the unique 
 etching itself, which is here reproduced. 
 
 The following is a copy of the catalogue of the drawings and paintings finished and 
 
 unfinished that were sold by Christie, on ]\Liy 6th, 1 80 1 , with the prices realized and the 
 
 names of the purchasers. This, with the copy of Wright's MS. book, to be found In the 
 appendix, will form a very complete list of his principal works: — 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 A 
 
 Of 
 
 THE GENUINE COLLECTION 
 
 OF 
 
 BEING 
 
 A Selection of the most Capital Performances of that esteemed Artist, 
 
 Mr. Joseph Wright, of Derby, 
 
 DECEASED : 
 
 COMPRISINI; 
 
 A VIl-'.W of ULI.SH'A'i'ER, several others in and near Rome, Naples, &c. 
 
 The Old Man and Death ; tlie ll'idom of an Indian Chief: 
 A CAPLTAL VIEW OF AN ERUPTION OF VESU\ IUS, 
 
 Besides many other interesting Subjects. 
 
 Mbitb toil! be ,§olt) bn f^uction, 
 
 ¥ MR. ©HB.ieTIE, 
 
 AT HIS ROOM, 
 (N". ii8, late the Royal Academy) in Pall Mall. 
 On WEDNESDAY, MAY the 6th, 1801, 
 
 AT 'I WELVE O'CLOCK. 
 
 May be Viewed Two Days preceding the Sale, when Catalogues may be had 
 Pall Mall. 
 
io8 
 
 ■'WRIGHT OF DERBY.- 
 
 ■ - - - - 
 
 ^ V|V V|.- v^.- v,>- v^,- -j^.- vj.- -J^r v^.- vjC v^.- v^,- v^,- -j^.- viv- v^,- v^.- -jjy- v^.- -Vf.- v^- v^- 
 
 A Catalogue, &c. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, M.W the 6th. iSoi. 
 
 PICTURES. 
 
 Col. Denby. 
 
 1 
 
 R.UINS— small, Lmlinished, upriyht - 
 
 
 0 
 
 s. 
 10 
 
 Vtriw7i . 
 
 2 
 
 A VL-w of the Lakes, Ditto 
 
 
 
 
 Jenitigi. 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 Borrow. 
 
 in. 
 
 4 
 5 
 
 A View wiih a Bridge, Ditto 
 
 
 2 
 0 
 
 3 
 1 2 
 
 Rook. 
 
 6 
 
 A Castle, by Moonlight, in dead Colour - 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 iManhatl. 
 
 7 
 
 A Fire in a Forest, by Moo:ilight - 
 
 
 0 
 
 1 [ 
 
 til. 
 
 S 
 
 A mountainous and woody Landscape, Oval 
 
 
 
 
 Dorset. 
 
 9 
 
 Ruins of a Roman Temple, by Fire Light- 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 Heath. 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 b 
 
 15 
 
 Denhy. 
 
 1 1 
 
 A Landscape in the Stile of Artois 
 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 Maria Wright. 
 
 
 A Hilly Landscape, with a slated Barn 
 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 Goulding. 
 
 13 
 
 A small Mountainous Ditto 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 Vernon. 
 
 14 
 
 A small pleasing View of a Harbnur by Moonlight, 
 
 and ail unfinished Landscape the 
 
 
 
 fellings. 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 Borrow. 
 
 16 
 
 A warm mountainous Landscape, small upright - 
 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 Goulding. 
 
 17 
 
 A View of Carnarvon Castle by l''ire and Moonlight, 
 
 unfinished - - - - 
 
 5 
 
 1 5 
 
 Vernon. 
 
 iS 
 
 An Italian Landscape with Ruiu 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 Rmvlinson, 
 
 19 
 
 A Landscape, a Rock Scene 
 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Vermon. 
 
 20 
 
 A View of the Ponte Nomentano, near Rome, unfini 
 
 bed- . - - - 
 
 
 Q 
 
 Heath. 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 H. Wright. 
 
 
 A View of the Lake of Nemi, a warm Evening Scene 
 
 
 1 2 
 
 I 2 
 
 6 
 
 _CSti 17 6 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 109 
 
 Long. 
 Vernon. 
 Shackman, 
 Brown. 
 
 Tale, in. 
 
 Borrow. 
 Mr. Cade, in. 
 Tak. 
 
 Mr. Cade, in. 
 Goulding. 
 Borrow. 
 
 Heath. 
 
 Maria Wright., . 
 
 RawUnson. 
 
 Mr. Cade, in. 
 Jennings. 
 Jo. Wright, in. 
 
 Borrow. 
 Sters. 
 Vernon. 
 H. Wright. 
 Smith, AT. P. 
 Tate, in. 
 Borrow. 
 Poole Tale. 
 
 Tate. 
 
 Barrow. 
 Borrow. 
 
 23 Lady and Beggar Boy, unfinished 
 
 24 The Glass-House, a Sketch : tlie Fire exceedingly well expressed - - - - 
 
 25 A small View of an Eruption of Mount Vesuvius by Moonlight - - _ . 
 
 26 A Landscape unfinished 
 
 27 View of an Eruption of Mount Vesuvius by Moonlight, with a View of the Day of Naples 
 
 28 A Landscape, and Figures with a tilted Cart ; a View of Matlock High Tor in the 
 Distance — very rich and glowing Effect 
 
 29 Portrait of a Beggarman --------- 
 
 30 A Landscape with a Monumental Ruin by Moonlight - - - - - 
 
 31 A Landscape, Sun-set ----- - - - 
 
 32 A pleasing View of a Lake by Moonlight ------- 
 
 33 An Italian, rocky Landscape and Figures 
 
 34 An Eruption of Vesuvius by Moonlight, viewed through the Fog — singularly fine 
 Effect 
 
 35 A View on the Lakes in \\'estmoreland ------ 
 
 36 A Ditto ----------- 
 
 37 Virgil's Tomb — a pleasing, high finished picture ------ 
 
 38 A mountainous and woody Lanils':a|)e. a View in tlie Neighbourhootl of Matlock 
 
 39 A small Itahan Landscape, after Wilson - . - - 
 
 40 A Boy anil Girl with a Blown Bladder: the Countenances full of lively Expression, 
 
 and tiie Whole delicately and highly finished 
 
 41 A Landsca]>e viewed through a Cavern by Moonlight 
 
 42 A View of Ulleswater Lake and Skiddaw - - - - 
 
 43 An upright View in the Convent of the Latomie at Syracuse - - . - 
 
 44 A Rocky Landscape, with a River by Moonlight ------ 
 
 45 A Mountainous Landscape in the Neighbourhood of the Lakes - - - - 
 
 46 A Landscape with a Rainbow, View near Chesterfield in Derbyshire 
 
 47 The Cascade of Terni, near Tivoli ------- 
 
 48 A Pair of elegant Views of the Lake of Albano, with the Castel Grandolso, and the 
 
 companion the Lake of Nemi -------- 
 
 i'h 49 Sterne's Maria, an elegant Figure delicately painted - - _ - - 
 
 50 A Landscape, View of the Lake of Albano, a beautiful warm Scene 
 in. 51 Romeo and Juliet in the Sepulchre, a spirited Composition ; the Literest considerably 
 heightened by the Sliadow of Figures approaching tlie Tomb, capital - 
 
 52 View of a Cottage in Needwood Forest ------- 
 
 53 William and Margaret, from the popular Ballad, capital ----- 
 
 54 The Colosseo at Rome with Figures, a highly finished View of this grand and interesting 
 
 Monument of Antiquity -------- 
 
 55 A View of Ditto by Moonlight, with a Figure of a Friar at his evening Devotion to 
 
 the Virgin 
 
 '4 3 
 
 10 TO 
 9 19 
 
 16 
 
 47 
 9 
 59 
 40 
 
 63 o 
 3S 17 
 53 II 
 
 47 5 
 63 o 
 39 iS 
 
 74 II 
 
 ^1048 iG o 
 
 17 
 
no 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 ( 4 ) 
 
 19 19 
 
 56 A philosopher in his Study by Lamplight— a highly finished rind Lrilliaiit coloured 
 Picture ------- . . _ 
 
 Can- for Arkwriiihl. 57 A large and romantic View of the Head of Ullswatcr Lake from Lyson's Tower in 
 
 Graystoc Park, the Seat of the Duke of Norfolk - . - . . -jj^ □ 
 
 ill. 58 The Allegory of the Old ALin and JJeath in a picturestjue Landscape, a River Scene 
 with Gothic Ruins— a very correct Knowledge of Anatomy is dis[)laye(! in the Figure 
 of Death ; the Alarm of the old Peasant is finely expressed, and the Lights throughout 
 the Picture are uncommonly brilliant - - - - - - - 5^ 9 
 
 ///. 59 Lusignan in prison— The interior finely illumined, capital - - - - - 60 iS 
 
 Smitii for \\'akcficl(L 60 A small I'rison Scene, with a single Figure - - - - - - 31 to 
 
 Burrow 6r A L")itto - - - - - - - - - - - 17 17 
 
 at. 62 The Alcliyniist in his Elaboratory with Assistants. This admirable Performance presents 
 a happy Display of the Artist's Talents. The Effect of Light issuing from tiie 
 Sand-heat, and reflected from the Retort and surrounding Implements is contrived witli 
 surprising Effect, amounting to perfect Illusion — truly capital - - - - 80 1 7 
 
 Borroio. 63 The Hermit, companion to the preceding, capital - - ' - - - 70 17 
 
 Bairow. 64 THE INDIAN WIDOW, This elegant painting is replete with poetical Beauties: the 
 
 Contest of the Day is over, but t!ie War is still waged among the Elements, and a 
 Volcano on the Right adds to the Turbulence of the Scene, The Apathy of excessive 
 Grief is conspicuous in the distressed Female, who is tlius admirably contrasted with 
 the agitated Objects of the Back Ground - - - - - - 73 10 
 
 i». 65 A grand ERUPTION of VESUVIUS, seen across the Bay by Moonlight- 
 
 This magnificent Scene so often attempted by the Pencils of various Masters, 
 has surely, never been expressed with more (Jrandeur than in this Effort of Mr. 
 Wright — the Effect is awful beyond Description — Earth, Air and Water appear as but 
 one Element. It Is thus that real Genius can manage Nature at its Will ; and the 
 Arnst who transfers her to the Canvas with so much Truth, kindles a Light, which 
 will ever be reflected with Lustre upon his own Name ... - ^04 10 
 
 -^2075 3 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 J. Snieelon, Printer, 148, Si. ftlnriin's Lane. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Mr. J. Holland, of Ford Hall, one of Wright's executors, attended the sale at Christie's, 
 and on his return wrote the following qiiaint letter to Dr. Wright, the artist's brother ; — 
 
 " Ford, Aug' II''' I So I. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 "On the 14''' July & at 4 o'clock in the morning, M"' Holland and myself passed 
 through Derby on our return from full ten weeks busling in noisy London. While the chaise 
 was preparing at Derby, I could not forbear viewing the outside of your habitation, and 
 wishing that the hour had been more seasonable that I might ha\'e seen how you all would 
 have admired the Countr)' Squire returned, and that you in your turn might have had an 
 opportunity to have discovered the vast improvements I had made in Town manners, &c., &c. 
 I had also with me your Brother's drawdngs from Michael Angelo, which I wanted much to 
 have left with you. They are, however, very safe here. I was not able to forward the 
 disposal of them, tho' I showed them to several artists, who commended them very highly. 
 They were all of opinion that they should have been sold with the pictures. Do you remember 
 Dr. Bates, who many years ago lived in your Town, and removed from thence to Aylesbury. 
 Having been a long time in Rome, he knew the subjects perfectly, and thought them very 
 fine studies. I want much to come to Derln^ but cannot say wdien at present. I have 
 very fine impressions both of Sir Richd. Arkwright and the 'Tempest,' wdlich I trust to convey 
 to those they are intended for in due time. I can say with my whole heart, that there was 
 not a landscape in the E.xhibition that could be compared to what used to be the production 
 of your Brother's pencil. But this 1 thought ill-manners to advance in London. The artists, 
 indeed, 1 must say, whom 1 conversed with, were by no ineans niggardly in their commenda- 
 tions of M'- Wright's works. There were at the E.xhibition some fine coloured drawings, 
 particularly by Turner, who appears to be a very rising genius. Sir W. Beechy, Hopner, & 
 Lawrence seem all three pretty near an equality. I shall leave all my rare anecdotes till I 
 meet the worthy circle, and then you shall be told the wonders & no wonders that occurred 
 to the Derbyshire man's visit to London after 33 years' absence. My kind regai'ds and 
 wishes to you and yours, and also at Spondon. The accounts, &c., shall come, when the 
 bearer will be yours sincerely, 
 
 "J. HOLLAND." 
 
 It will be noticed that the pictures were nearly all bought by private persons, and not 
 by dealers; also that several pictures were "bought in" at the sale at Christie's in 1801, which 
 were afterwards sold in Derby, in iSlo, at considerably enhanced prices. The following is a 
 copy of the catalogue, the original being in the Mayer Collection : — 
 
 Note.— I am yrL'nilj- inik-ljlfU lo .Mr. Mayi-r, of Liverpool, for kindly allowing mo ihe use of his colleclion of letters relating to Wright. 
 
112 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 CATALOGUE OF 
 
 THE GENUINE COLLECTION OF 
 
 PIC T U R E S, 
 
 Being a Selection of the most CAPITAL PERFORMANCES, 
 of that esteemed Artist, 
 
 Mr. JOSEPH WRIGHT, of Derby, deceased. 
 
 COMPRISING 
 
 The Alchymist The Old Man and Death ;— A Philosopher 
 in his Study, by lamp light ; — and 
 
 A capital Fiew of an Eruption of Vesuvius: 
 
 Besides several other interesting Subjects ; 
 
 PVhtch will be Sold by Atiction, 
 BY MR. SHAW, 
 
 AT THE TOWN HALL, IN DERBY, 
 On THURSDAY the nth day of October, 1810, 
 
 (The Sale to commence immediately after llie Morning's Musical I'erfoimance.)"' 
 
 May be viewed at the Town Hall, from Monday the 8th October, until twelve 
 o'clock on Thursday the nth of October. Admission, One Shilling, 
 to be given to the Infirmary. 
 
 * For many years a " Granci Musical Festival" was held in Derby, in Octuber, and produced large sums in aid of the General Infirmary. 
 The best musical Ulent of ihe day was en£;ageil. On this occasion, tho oratorios, "The Messiah," "The Creation," "Judas Maccabeus," and 
 "Israel in Egypt," and a selection from Handel, Boyce, etc., were perfoimed in All Saints' Church, in which Madame Calalani, Miss Travis, Mrs. 
 Shejiley, and Mrs. Bianchi, Mr. Harrison, Messrs. Goss, Ellioit, Whall, and Bartleman took part. The Chorus was supporlcd by the celebrated 
 Female Singers from Lancashire ; also by performers fiom the Ancient and Vocal Concerts, London, and from various Cathedrals. Messrs. Harrison 
 and Greatore-v conducted the orclieslia of 150 performers. A ball touk place in ihe New Assembly Room, and two grand concerts in the iheatre. 
 On the first day a sermon was preached by the Archbishop of York, the offertory amoimiing to ^354. 
 
 Infirmary Doxations,— Messrs. Cade and Chappell, being monies received at the Exhibition at the Town Hall of the late Mr. Wright's 
 pictures, ^7 13s. od. — {Derby Mt/ciiry, Dec. 4, iSio,) 
 
WRIGHT OF derby:' 
 
 Conbitions of Sale. 
 
 T/ic highest bidder io Ih- /he piijrhnser ; shonid any dispiiie arise, tJie lot to be put up again. 
 
 lite purchaser to pay iiniiiediately the eiui'tion duty, in addition to the puixhase money. 
 The Pictu}-£S to be at the purehaser's risli iniuiediately on the fall of the hammer, and taken 
 away at his expcTiee. 
 
 Lastly. — In case of any purchasers neglecting to fulfil their conditions, the lots to be resold, 
 and the deficiency upon such resale {should any arise,) and all e.xpenees thereon, to be borne and 
 paid by the defiulter of the present sale. 
 
114 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 THURSDAY 11th October, 1810. 
 
 PICTURES. 
 
 r * PUBCKASERS. 
 
 £ s. 1.1. Lois. 
 
 — I A Hilly Landscajic, with a slated E^irn ; i foot S by i foot 4 inches. Unsold. 
 
 23 2 o 2 View of an Eruption of Mount Vesuvius by Moon light, with a view of the Bay of Naples ; 2 feet Mr Snowdcn 
 7 by 2 feet r inch. .Spondon. ' 
 
 43 I o 3 A Philosopher in his Study by Lamp light, a highly finished and brilUant coloured Picture ; 4 feet Mr Tate 
 2 by 3 feet 4 inches, (upright.) Liverpool! 
 
 '■^S o o ^ Lusignan in Prison ; the interior finely illumined ; capital; 4 feet 2 by 3 feet 4 inches. Mr. Chnp]-je!l. 
 
 Arn.jld. 
 
 S4 o o 5 H'he Allegory of the Old Man and Death, in a picturesque I.andscape ; a River scene with Gothic SirR.Wilmot, 
 Ruins. — A very correct knowledge of Anatomy is displayed in the Figure of Death ; the Alarm Chaddesdcn. 
 of the old Peasant is finely expressed, and the Lights throughout the Picture are uncommonly 
 brilliant ; 4 feet 2 by 3 feet 4 inches. 
 
 105 00 5 W'jiiiani and Margaret, from the popular Ballad ; capital ; 4 feet 9 by 4 feet i inch. Mis^ Wright, 
 
 Spondon. 
 
 — 7 Romeo and Juliet in the Sepulchre, a spirited Composition ; the interest considerably heightened Unsold. 
 
 by the shadows of Figures approaching the Tomb; capital; 7 feet 11 by 5 feet 11 inches. 
 
 210 o o 8 The Alchyraist in his Elaboratory with Assistance.— This admirable performance presents a CoJ Wilson 
 
 happy display of the Artist's talents ; the effect of Light issuing from the sand heat, and re- Wooton ' 
 
 fleeted from the retort and surrounding implements, is contrived with surprising effect, Lodge, 
 amounting to perfect illusion truly capital, 4 feet 2 by 3 feet 4 inches ; (upright.) 
 
 9 A grand Eruption of Vesuvius, seen across the Bay of Naples, by Moon light.— This magnificent Unsold, 
 scene so often attempted by the pencils of various Masters, has surely never been expressed 
 with more grandeur than in this Effort of Mr. Wright.— The effect is awful beyond description ; 
 Earth, Air and Water appear as but one Element. It is thus that real genius can manage 
 Nature at its will ; and the Artist who transfers her to the canvas with so much truth, 
 kindles a light, which will ever be reflected with lustre upon his own Name; 5 feet t i by 4 
 feet I inch. 
 
 '5 '5 " 10 Portrait of a Lady, (imclaimed.) 
 
 Mr. Baleman, 
 
 330,, Ditto of a Gentleman, (unclaimed.) Foston. 
 
 ^ ' Mr.Sewell, 
 
 iV. B. These Pamtings have not been copied. 
 
 Catalogues may be had of Mr. Shaw, Mr. Mosley, and at the principal 
 Inn.s in Derby. 
 
 (/. Dreuny. Prhihr, Derby.) 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." II5 
 
 "Matlock Old Bath, Sep. 3"" 1797. 
 
 " To Mr. Wright, Surgeon, Iron-gate, Derby. 
 " Sir, 
 
 "On passing through Ocrby, on Ihursday last, I was on the point of sending a 
 servant to your brothers, for the purpose of making enquiries concerning him (meaning to go 
 afterwards myself, if his health admitted), when I heard with much concern of his death. I 
 feel sincere regret for a friend whom I had long known and valued highly. Mrs. Gisborne 
 & myself, on our return through Derby j-esterday, would have been glad to send our 
 enquiries to Mr. Wright's, but I was doubtful whether it might not then be premature to do 
 so. I will therefore trouble you to express, at a proper opportunity, to Mrs. Cade & the 
 rest of the family, our concern for their loss, and our sincere wishes for their health. 
 
 " I am. Sir, 
 
 "Your faithful & obedient servant, 
 
 "THOS. GISBORNE." 
 
 With these notices of the death of Wright, and the subsequent sale of his pictures, my 
 task is ended. 
 
 As the materials at my command have enabled me, I have striven to present a faithful 
 record of his artistic and private life. As an artist, his genius was recognised in his own day ; 
 and it is satisfactory to know that his industrious pencil provided an ample income, and enabled 
 him to realise a \-ery sufficient competence for the years when age and infirmity grew upon him. 
 But there were drawbacks to his attainment of greater fame and honours. He was a man of 
 great sensitivene.ss, and of strong domestic feelings and habits. His retiring disposition, and the 
 depressing maladies from which he suffered during many years of his life, indisposed him both 
 mentally and physically for a residence in London, where an active life would have opened 
 out to him more e.xtended patronage and consequent advancement in his profession. As a man, 
 the perusal of much private correspondence in addition to that here published, has led me to 
 form a high estimate of his character. Loving in his ianiily relationships, he was a faithful and 
 generous friend, and of large .sympathies. 
 
 His private life reflects as great honour on his name, as do his works on his artistic 
 repute. The latter his own hand has imperishably handed down to us, and his memory 
 may well be cherished as one who has shed undying lustre on his native town. 
 
 F I NM S 
 
ii6 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Till' following interesting Mcmomnda are taken from Wright's MS. Book : — 
 
 " iJessy Fritch, at the Green Dragon, a pretty little girl of the delicate kind." 
 '■Nancy Nudal, in the Full Street, a pretty little girl." 
 
 N.incy^ Mellers, upon the Nun's (ireen, against Haslam's, a pretty middle-sized girl 
 "J no. Fletcher, of Osmaston, an old bald-headed man." 
 
 It IS very probable that Fletcher sat to Wright for the si.x studies of an old man's head which he painted five 
 of which were exhibited in the Derby Art Gallery in 1SS3. ' 
 
 "Paid for Lottery Tickei, No. 26,815, £u i9- half of which is for More, £6 19. 6— due to More on this 
 account, /^i. o. 6. 'Ihe Lottery Ticket came up a prize of £20, for which I got ^19. 14. o, half of which is 
 More's. j^.g. 17. o." 
 
 "Paid for lottery ticket. No. 36,123, /^is- i. o, half of which is for Wore, ^j. to. 6." 
 
 SUBJECTS FOR NIGHT PIECES. 
 
 " A Bi.AtKS^nTH's Shop.— Two men forming a bar of iron into a horse shoe, from whence the light must proceed. 
 An idle fellow may stand by the anvil in a time-killing pnsture, his hands in his bosom, or yawning with his hands 
 stretched upwards, a little twisting of the body. Horse shoes hanging upon ye walls, and other necessary things faintly 
 seen, being remote from the light. 
 
 " Out of this room shall be seen another, in which a ffarrier may be shoeing a horse by the light of a candle. The 
 horse must be sadled, and a traveller standing by. ']'he servant may apjjear with hys horse in his liand, on wh. may 
 be a portmanteau. This will be an indication of an accident having liappen'd, and shew some reason for shoeing the 
 iiorse by candle-light. The moon may ajipear, and illumine some part of the horses, if necessary." 
 
 The size of a Kit-cat frame is 3ft. I" X 2ft. 4" 
 
 „ a -^^ is 2ft 6" X 2ft. 1" 
 
 J, :'n half-length is... 4ft. 2" X 3ft. 4" 
 For a small whole length the Ir^ime should be cut to inches from ye bottom. 
 A full length straining frame, 7ft. 10" x 4ft to" 
 A large full length ... 8fl. — x sfi. — 
 
 Prom the same MS. book we learn that on one occasion Wright cleaned and restored 
 several paintings for Lord Harrington. The account runs thus : — 
 For Lord Harrington. 
 \A'ent to Elva-.ton three times, one of wh. was there a whole day — 
 
 Cleaning a full length jDicture ... ... ... ... ... 2. 1 o 
 
 A new straining frame hung to the picture of King Charles... 2. 6 
 
 Lining, cleaning, & repairing several damaged parts ... ... i. 10. o 
 
 Cleaning & repairing 2 Landskips... ... ... ... ... ir. o 
 
 Cleaning four small pictures, retouching them ... -.. ... 10. o 
 
 Cleaning do. two pictures of Venus & Cupid .. ... ... i. 10. o 
 
 Cleaning &r retouching an historical picture of Paul Veronese. 10. o 
 
 Four Large Historical Pictures clean'd, repaired & varnish ... 2. 2. o 
 
 Other interesting items are : — 
 
 Chairman ... ... 2/6 
 
 Shoe buckles ... lod. 
 
 Paid for letter ... lo.'.d. 
 
 ... 7!d. 
 
 4Jd. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 117 
 
 The following prices, etc., arc copied from a priced catalogue of the sale of the effects 
 of John Leigh Philips, Esq., sold at Manchester in October, 1814, and are useful in identifying 
 sketches, etc., not named in the List of Pictures :— 
 
 41 ^V'right, of Derby. — Four studies, taken on the spot in Italy 10 o 
 
 42 „ Three: A .study for ihe figure hi the picture of the f^ead Ass, 
 
 (M}\ Meyiull.) a fragment in Indian ink, and a ditto of Walls, in colours fine ^2 7 o 
 
 44 „ Six drawings from Antiques, made on the spot, in outline pen ... ^3 13 6 
 
 45 „ Two: A Ruin anil a Landscape, with figures in Indian ink ... ^2 o o 
 
 46 ,. Three: Interior of a Cabin, Hero & Leander, 5; Dog i o 
 
 47 „ Two: Vesuvius and the Interior of a Church ... ... ... i 2 o 
 
 48 Two : View of a Ruin in Rome, Indian ink, and a ditto in 
 
 colours; capital ... ... ... ... ... ... ... o o 
 
 49 Four : Three Studies by Wright, and a Landscape with figures by 
 
 Wilson .. ^3 10 o 
 
 go ., Two Cavern Scenes on the Shores of Italy. Fine and highly- 
 
 finished drawings made on the spot, and are the originals from 
 which the two celebrated pictures in the collection of the late 
 
 {Mr. Hardman.) Wm. Hardman, Esq., were painted ^10 10 o 
 
 51 One: Portrait of himself, in a fancy dress; capital ... ... 4 o 
 
 J. _ Wright's Drawings, ^^32 17 6. 
 
 OIL PAINTINGS. 
 
 13 A Landscape with a \Vaterfall. A spirited representation of a 
 
 (Lecmiii^'.) Stormy effect ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ^£26 15 6 
 
 18 ^.^i.w.) „ The Lake of Albano. Spirited sketch /^iS iS o 
 
 19 „ The Old Peasant Bewailing the Dcatli of his Ass. From 
 
 (nau-ma„.) Sterne ;^34 13 o 
 
 21 „ A Cavern Scene, upright ... ... ... ... J^,i(> 5 6 
 
 25 '1 Neptune's Grotto, near Tivoli. A very highly-finished and beautiful 
 
 {Mr. E. F!a,-k.) picture of a favourite scene from nature ... ... ... ... ^^24 3 o 
 
 26 ,, An Eruption of Vesuvius, destroying the vineyards. Presumed by 
 
 {H. or' .4. U'n'^/i!.) Mr. \\'right to be the best picture he painted of the subject... ^63 o o 
 
 27 „ The Lighthouse on Fire. A beautiful and carefully-finished picture, 
 
 full of harmonious effect of the union of the moon and fire- 
 
 (■'/'■- ^'"-.s.) light /;36 15 o 
 
 2S ,. A View of the Bay of Naples, from Pausilipo, with Vesuvius in 
 
 the distance. Com}), to last lot, of a sweet sunny effect, and 
 [Abki.) highly finished... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ^^45 3 o 
 
 29 Rocks and Trees. A very spirited and clever study ... ... 9 o 
 
 {H. ^ A. ISr/g/a.) 
 
 30 „ A Cavern Scene, with a Bridge. Painted wiih all that close 
 
 delineation of the effects of nature, for which this master is so 
 [ff. A. irnghl.) jusdy celebrated .. ... ... ... ... ... .. ^"42 o o 
 
 31 The Bridge and Waterfall at Ryd;i], in Westmoreland. A charming 
 
 scene represented with great 'sifdces'sv 'Hie stones seen at the 
 bottom of the water give an eftect to the picture at once curious 
 
 (//. IVri^'il ) ami natural ^48 6 o 
 
 33 The Dead Soldier. This acknowledged c/ief-d'ouvre of this admired 
 
 master, uniting great knowledge of grouping, excellent drawing, 
 and correct colouring, with a fine feeling of sentiment, decidedly 
 proves the assertion of Mr. Fuzeli, in his Biographical Notice 
 of Mr. Wriglit, that "he once eminently succeeded in the 
 
 {GouU.) pathetic" ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ^315 o o 
 
 Memd., T5th Sep., 17S7. — Remains to be paid to me by Mr. John Milnes, on account of the picture of Gibraltar, 
 two hundred guineas, and by right he ought to pay tlie Int. of that money from the time he has withheld the commission 
 from me to replace two other pictures in the room of tlie two he has of Vesuvius & the Girandolo, agreeable to his 
 own letters. He also owes me twenty pounds for my journey to Wakefield, according to his own agreement. 
 
 T. WRIGHT. 
 
 18 
 
ii8 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 LIST OF PORTRAITS. 
 
 SITTERS AT NEWARK. 
 
 Mr. Hall. 
 Mrs. Hall. 
 Miss Hall. 
 RTrs. Sikes. 
 Mrs. Gosbal, 
 
 Mrs. Rasdale. 
 Mr. Rasdale. 
 Mr. W. Rasdale. 
 Mrs. W. Rasdale. 
 Old Mrs. Rasdale. 
 
 Mr. Stow. 
 Mrs. Stow. 
 Mr. St. Stow. 
 Mrs. Hanway. 
 Miss Pockleton. 
 
 Mr. R. Pockleton. 
 Mr. J. Pockleton. 
 Ld. Robt. Sutton. 
 Mr. Darwin. 
 Miss Darwin, 
 
 Miss Craycroft. 
 
 Miss Molly Craycruft. 
 
 Miss Chadwick 
 
 Miss Peart. 
 
 Miss Molly Peart. 
 
 STrTF.RS AT LINCOLN (1760). 
 
 Miss Nancy Peart. 
 Miss Nelly Peart. 
 Mr. Wills, 
 Miss Bromhead. 
 Miss Monk. 
 
 Mr. Monk. 
 Mrs. Monk. 
 Governor Thompson. 
 Master Wilson. 
 Miss Wilson. 
 
 Mrs. Nevil. 
 Miss Nevil 
 Miss Drewry. 
 Master Drewry. 
 
 Captain Blunt. 
 Miss Hurst. 
 Mr. '^I'liompson. 
 
 SITTERS AT BOSTON. 
 
 Mrs. Thompson. 
 Mr. I'-ydell. 
 Mrs. Fyddl. 
 
 Mr. Lynton. 
 Mr. Willby. 
 Miss Ayre. 
 
 Mr. Ishmay. 
 
 SITTERS AT RETFORD (1760). 
 
 Lynn Simpson, lisq. | Mr, Mason. j Capt. Kirk. 
 
 Mrs. Simpson. I Mrs. Mason. Mrs. -Sutton. 
 
 Miss Simpson. | Mrs. G. Mason. | Mrs. Absonor. 
 
 Mr. Jiidson. 
 Mr. Sutton. 
 Miss Inwood. 
 
 Mr. Pigott. 
 
 Mr. Ellison. 
 Mrs. Ellison. 
 
 SITTERS AT DONCASTER (1760). 
 Mrs. Pigott. I 
 
 SITTERS AT THORN (17O0). 
 
 Mr. & Mrs, Ellison. I 
 Mr. I'oster. 
 
 b Mrs. Carver, 
 (j) Miss Carver. 
 
 SITTERS AT ECKINGTON (1760). 
 
 4* Miss Carver. 1 
 * Mr. Carver 
 
 Mr. Peachall. 
 
 SITTERS FROM FFEB. 
 
 1 760. 
 
 3 qrs. 
 
 Mr. ^; Mrs. Nowell 
 Mi.ss Clarke, 3 qrs. 
 Master Simeon Harvey Wilmot 
 Copy of Mrs. Lumb, sml 3 qrs. 
 Mrs. Monk, \ length 
 Mr. Jiidson, 3 qrs. ... 
 iMr. Sniton, kil-cat ... 
 Mr. Pigott. ■', leni;l.h... 
 
 2 _AI;i.^tLl- R.L^Ialis 
 
 Mrs. i'igotl, i Icngih 
 Mr. Bruoks, i. Icnyih 
 f* Mr. Ellison, length 
 ] Mrs. Ellison, \ length 
 Master & Miss Ellison 
 Mr. Foster, 3 qrs. 
 Mrs. Foster, 3 qrs. ... 
 Miss Inwood 
 C Mrs. Carver, ^ length 
 P>Tiss Carver, h k-ngth 
 ^, Mis- B- Cuivcr. A tengih 
 ,' Mr. faivcr. .'. length 
 ■v .Mr. 3 qrs. 
 
 Maslcr Mi.-,s I )icwry 
 
 M iss ]''eiiton, 3 qr^ 
 
 Mrs. Chase, 3 qrs. ... 
 Mr. C. Hope, 3 qrs. 
 Mr. Nowel, ^ length 
 Mrs. Fowler, 3 qrs.... 
 
 Fur Dr. Griffith 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 I 2 
 
 12 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Bainbrigge, \ length ... 
 
 1 2 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 
 Mrs. Bainbrigge ditto 
 
 T 2 
 
 12 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. C. Hope, kit-cat 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 ° 
 
 Captn. Lushington, ^ length 
 
 I 2 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 1 2 
 
 I 2 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Chase, 3 qrs. ... 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. Heath, k. c. ... 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. Tead, k. c. 
 
 <} 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Wildc, 3 qrs 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 16 
 
 16 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. Wilde, 3 qrs. ... 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 4* Mr. Wm. Chase & Mrs, Chase, a conversation ... 
 
 25 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Pickering, 3 qrs. 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 c^Mr. RoUeston, A 1. 
 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 1 2 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 Copy of Needliam ... 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 A 3 qrs. of old Borao for Mr. Beresford ... 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Stenton, 3 qrs.... 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 
 Mrs. Stenton, 3 qrs... 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Tijison, 3 qrs, ... 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 I 2 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. Tipson, 3 qrs,,. 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 1 2 
 
 I 2 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. Lindigton, 3 qrs. 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 I 2 
 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Dixon, 3 qrs, ,.. 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. Dixon, 3 qrs, ... 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Copy of Mr. Millers 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 14 
 
 14 
 
 0 
 
 Miss Swan, 3 qrs. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■- 
 4>Mr. Mundy, i length § 
 
 (1 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 1 2 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 C 
 
 
 Family picture of Mr., Mrs., & Miss Shuttleworth 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 4*MrPHeckham, i length §.., 
 
 4>Mr. Heath, i 1. '.J:ti- Mr^NtcKO*,* J 
 
 
 ] 2 
 
 0 
 
 
 12 
 
 0 
 
 1 2 
 
 1 2 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Miss Warren, whole length. 
 
 16 
 
 16 
 
 0 
 
 17 H 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 Mr. Borrow, half 1. ... 
 Mrs. Borrow, half 1... 
 Mr. Gwin, half 1. ... 
 Mrs. Wihnot, ^1. 
 Mr. Bingham, 3 qrs. 
 Mrs. Bennet, 3 qrs.... 
 Mr. Leacroft, 1. f--- 
 Mr. Barrow, ^ ]. 
 
 4* Mr. Burdett 
 
 Mr. Eoothby 
 
 Mr. Beresford 
 Mr. Gurney ... 
 
 Full length of Master Fallows 
 
 For painting a draper to a whole length picture fur 
 Lord Vernon ... 
 
 SITTERS AT MACCLESFIELD. 
 
 Mr. Stafford, Miss Stafford 
 
 Miss Bateman 
 Mr. Baiiilirigge 
 Mrs. Bainhrigge 
 Master Wilmot 
 Miss Wilmot 
 MasterC. Wilmot ... 
 Master R. Wilmot ... 
 Master S. Wilmot ... 
 Master Harvey Wilmot 
 Mr. Fisiier ... 
 Miss Wollot .. 
 
 Mr. Raker 
 
 Mrs. Harpur... 
 Mr. McUand 
 Master Mundy 
 Miss Mundy 
 Mr. Leacroft 
 
 Mr. Balguy 
 
 Mrs. Balguy 
 
 Miss Crompton 
 Mr. Coptstake 
 Miss Copestake 
 
 Miss Taylor 
 
 Miss F. Taylor 
 Parson Allen 
 Miss Clarke... 
 
 Mr. Nowel 
 
 Mrs, Nowell... 
 
 E. Sales 
 
 Miss Dalby 
 
 Master Curzon 
 Miss Curzon 
 Master Fenn Curzon 
 Master P. Curzon ... 
 Mr. A. Curzon 
 Miss Hanmer 
 Mrs. Hanmer 
 Copy of Mr. Hamner 
 The Parrot ... 
 Master Challener ... 
 Miss Challener 
 Mrs. Degg 
 
 Mr. Warfe 
 
 Mr. Atherton 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Smythe 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Leigh ... 
 
 Mrs. Hardman 
 
 Two Miss Staffords... 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Hisbeth 
 
 Mrs. & Miss Parr 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Park 
 
 Miss Leice 
 
 Mr. & Miss Kniglit... 
 
 "^^Master Ashton 
 
 Capt. & Mrs. Boyd .. 
 
 SITTERS 
 £ s d. 
 330 
 660 
 660 
 
 AT DERBY. 
 
 Mr. Lyggon... 
 Mrs. Lyggon 
 Master Lyggon 
 Miss Lyggon 
 Copy of Lady Curzon 
 2 of Sir Nat Curzon 
 Capt. Bailey... 
 Capt. Heathcote 
 
 Mr. Low 
 
 Mr. Wright 
 
 Mrs. Wright 
 
 Capt. Sherring 
 Miss Storer ... 
 Copy of Mr. Lumb... 
 Miss Cockin 
 Old Mr. Fo.x 
 
 Mr. Nowell 
 
 Miss Fenton... 
 Mrs. Chase ... 
 Mr. C. Hope 
 Mr. Bainhrigge 
 Mrs. Bainhrigge 
 Miss F. Broad 
 Capt. Lushington 
 
 Mrs. Hope 
 
 Mr. Chase 
 
 Mrs. Heath 
 
 Mr. Tead 
 
 Mr. Wilde 
 Mrs. Wilde 
 Mr. Chase 
 Mrs. Chase 
 Mr. Pickering 
 Mrs. Ligdinton 
 Mr. Di.xon 
 Mrs. Dixon 
 Miss Swan 
 
 Mr. Mundy 
 
 Mr. Shuttleworth ... 
 Mrs. Shutdeworth ... 
 Miss Shuttleworth ... 
 
 STFTERS AT LIVERPOOL, 1769. 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 I 2 
 
 I 2 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 [6 
 
 16 
 
 0 
 
 ] 0 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 (1. 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 - 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 °- I, 'Uj n. 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 '■ 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 12 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 (, 
 
 0 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 
 r 2 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 
 I 2 
 
 0 
 
 ! 2 
 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 I 2 
 
 
 0 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 0 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 
 6 
 
 C 
 
 0 
 
 C 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 0 J 
 
 
 
 0 ' ) ' 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 1 2 
 
 2 
 
 0 
 
 1 2 
 
 2 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 £ 
 
 S. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 £ 
 
 S. 
 
 d. 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Stannyforth 
 
 15 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Gore 
 
 21 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 2 I 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Chas. Coke 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 2 I 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Clarke 
 
 10 
 
 I 0 
 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Southward 
 
 10 
 
 
 0 
 
 2 I 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Copy of Mrs. Tarlton 
 
 8 
 
 S 
 
 
 2 1 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Stafford 
 
 10 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. B. Tatton 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 2 I 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mrs. Lankford 
 
 ID 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Sam Lankford ... 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Rowe 
 
 ID 
 
 10 
 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Wm. Stafford 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * Engraved in mezzotint. See list. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY." 
 
 SITTERS AT DERBY. 
 
 £ ^. d, 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Gisborne ..2100 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Hurt 42 o o 
 
 Mr. Holding Shuttlcworth .. 10 10 o 
 
 Capt. French ... ,.. ... ... ... 10 10 o 
 
 Miss Miller Mundy ... ... ■-. 10 10 o 
 
 Mrs. Forrester ... ... ... ... ... 1010 o 
 
 Mr. Crompton ... ,.. ... ... ... 10 10 o 
 
 Mrs. Crunipton ... ... ... ... .. loio o 
 
 Mr. BakewfU 21 o o 
 
 4* Mr. & Mrs. Coltman — a conversLition ... ... 63 o o 
 
 Mrs. Pole & Child 6,5 o o 
 
 Col. Pole ... ... ... ..- ... 21 o o 
 
 A ''•Mr. Day, \ length... ■_;.■! ' 42 o o 
 
 T Mr. Jno. Heath ... ... ... ... ... 21 o o 
 
 Capt. Bath urst ... ... ... ... ... 1010 o 
 
 Col. Heathcote — small full length... ... ... 31 to o 
 
 Capt. Milnes — small full length ... ... ... 31 to o 
 
 Copy of Lady Rubens ... ... ... ... 12 12 o 
 
 Copy of Mr Boothby ... 12 12 o 
 
 Copy of a Gentleman ... ... ... ... 6 6 o 
 
 3 qrs, of Mr. Thos. Gisborne (1777) 12 12 o 
 
 A small head of the Rev. Mr. Bakewell ... ... 990 
 
 Ditto of Dr. Berridge 880 
 
 (fc A conversation piece of two of Mr. Pickford's 
 
 children ... ... ... ... 63 o o 
 
 Master Charles Hope ... ... ... ... 8 S o 
 
 Miss Haniet Hope ... ... ... .. 8 S o 
 
 Miss Warren, small ... ... ... ... -o 10 o 
 
 Mr. Latissiere .. ... ... ... ... 12 12 o 
 
 Mrs. Berridge, small oval ... ... ... .. 8 So 
 
 Capt. Coke of the Blues ... 1212 o 
 
 Parker Coke, Esq. 
 
 <^ tMr. Sennet's 3 children 'l.^T' 73 10 o 
 
 A large head of Jno. Stovely ... ... ... r8 iS .0 
 
 A I of Mrs. Hodges 1212 o 
 
 A I of F. Bronie, Esqre. ... ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 Mr. Fletcher 12120 
 
 Mrs. I.ander ... ... ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 •i'Old John at the King's Head— Raffled for ... 12 12 o 
 
 -f-Dr. Harrison ... ... ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 A head of Mrs. Mortimer ... ... ... ... 13 12 o 
 
 Mr. Ward i^^ o 
 
 A large picture of Mr. Bootl)by '7^' 5° S o 
 
 A small head of old Stovely ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 4> A Conversation Picture of D. P. Coke. Tlie Rev. 
 
 Mr. Dare Coke & his Lady ... ... ... 7512 o 
 
 A Kit-cat of old John Stovely for Mr. Holland ... iS iS o 
 
 Mrs. More 1212 o 
 
 Two Master Mundys, full lengths 7,i 10 o 
 
 4':]:Mr. Whitehurst, Kit-cat iS iS o 
 
 Mr. Scw.ird 1212 o 
 
 MissSewaid ... ..- ... ... ■•• 15 15 o 
 
 Mr. Inge 1212 o 
 
 A f Girl, with Doves '515 ° 
 
 A copy of Mr. Bentley, Kit-cat ... .-. ... 21 o o 
 
 A copy of the late Mr. Parker, half length ... 25 4 o 
 
 A halflengdi of Robt. Holding, Esq. ... ... 25 4 o 
 
 <p Copy of Mr. Crompton, 3 qrs., with a hand ... 14 14 o 
 
 A half length of Miss Parker ... ... ... 25 4 o 
 
 A 3 qrs. of Mrs. Morewood, with a hand... ... 15 15 o 
 
 4" Copy of Mrs. Crompton ... ... ... .-. 12 13 o 
 
 Copy of ditto ... ... ... ■■■ ... 12 12 o 
 
 Copy of Mr Crompton ... ... ... ... 14 14 o 
 
 Half lengtli copy of Mr. Wetham 25 4 o 
 
 A small oval of ditto ... ... ... ■-- 880 
 
 Small full length of Mrs. Morewood ^'^.'D*^ ... 36 15 o 
 
 Ditto of Mr. Case' St/.. '7?!?:. ... 36 15 o 
 
 A small oval of Mr. Carleitl SSo 
 
 Two 3 qrs. copies of Dr. Berridge's grandfather 
 
 and uncle ... ... .-- ... ... 25 4 o 
 
 A small copy of Mrs. Morewood ... ... ... 1515 o 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 Two 3 qrs. pictures of Mr. & Mrs. Fox 21 4 o 
 
 "4^ A head of Mr. Buxton 1212 o 
 
 <t> A copy of the late Mr. Pickering with a hand for 
 
 Mr. Thos. Gisborne ... ... ... 1515 o 
 
 A 3 qrs. with a hand of Mr. Balguy ... ... 15 15 o 
 
 Ditto ditto ... .. 15 15 o 
 
 Miss Stamford ... ... ... ... ... 8 8 o 
 
 Miss L. Stamford SSo 
 
 Mr. Hancock, 3 qrs... ... ... .. ... 12 12 o 
 
 Master Carver SSo 
 
 Rev. Mr. Berridge ... ... ... ... ... 25 4 o 
 
 Mr. Chas. Denby 1212 o 
 
 (VA conversation of Mr. Leaper's children 84 o o 
 
 ^A half length of Mr. Jones.. F^^- ^.T 25 4 o 
 
 Mr. Rastall iS 15 o 
 
 Mr. Arkwright, I length ... ... ... ... 26 o o 
 
 : A full length of "\Irs. C. Hurt & her child ... Si iS o 
 
 I A full length of Mr. Cell 52 10 o 
 
 A full length of Lady Wilmot & her child " as a 
 
 Madonna" ' ■ 78 iS o 
 
 A conversation pictLire of Mr. & Mrs. Gisborne ... 100 16 o 
 
 A small picture of Mr. Caldwell ... ... ... 880 
 
 A half length of Mr. Strutt 25 4 o 
 
 A 3 qrs. of my nepliew Rd. ^Vright 
 
 A 3 qrs. of Mr. Salmon for Mr. Flint ... ... 12 13 u 
 
 A 3 qrs. of Mr. Salmon for Sir Brooke Boothby ... 1 2 1 2 o 
 
 A head of Ld. Richard Cavendish. . . ... ... 1212 o 
 
 A head of Master C. Sales ... ... ... ... loio o 
 
 Ditto of Mr. R. Sales loio o 
 
 A 3 qrs. of Mrs. S. Crompton ... ... ... 12 12 o 
 
 4^Two full lengths in one picture of Master Thornhills 7310 o 
 
 4> A 3 qrs. picture of Mr. Pole ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 A3qrs. ,, of Mr. Ashby ... .. ... 12 12 o 
 
 A copy of Col. Hackart ... ... ,., ... 1212 o 
 
 A half length of Mr. Abncy 25 4 o 
 
 Ditto of I\Irs. Abney ... ... ... 25 4 o 
 
 A conversation picture of 3 of tlieir children 
 
 (J) Half length of Mr. Pares . ... 2540 
 
 Ditto copy of Mr. Fares ... .. ... ... 25 4 o 
 
 3 qrs. of Mr. Jos. Crompton 
 
 A A conversation of 3 of Mr. Wood's children '"-'i'^.f.'' 84 o o 
 
 (ji 3 qrs. of Mr. Wood ... ... ... 12 13 o 
 
 t5> Ditto of Mrs. Wood .. ... ... ... ... 12 12 o 
 
 Mr. Burnhatn ... ... ... ... ... 12 12 o 
 
 Mrs. Burnliam ... ... ... ... ,. 12 12 o 
 
 i Mrs. Holland 12 12 o 
 
 A half length of Mr. Chadwick 25 4 o 
 
 A full length of Sir R- Arkwright ^2 !o o 
 
 A full length of Mr. C. Hurt 5210 o 
 
 A 3 qrs. copy of Sir R. Arkwright... ... ... 12 12 o 
 
 <^A halfdength of Mr. Strutt 25 4 o 
 
 A copy of Rosseau ... ... ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 (t A conversation of Mr. & Mrs. Arkwright their 
 
 litde girl, full lengths ..?*^-^7?\°' 126 o o 
 
 ^ length of Mr. Milnes 
 
 .|>A conversation picture of 3 of Mr. Arkwright's 
 
 children ... ... ... ... ... 94 10 o 
 
 4> Ditto ditto ... 94 10 o 
 
 A 3 qrs. of Dr. Darwin, witli a hand ... ,,, 15 15 o 
 
 A full length of the late Mr. Oldknow ... ... 53 10 o 
 
 Ditto of Mr. Samuel Oldknow ... ... 52 10 o 
 
 \ A half length copy of Mr. Pares 25 4 o 
 
 A head of the late Dr. Lynn Beridge .. ... 12 12 o 
 
 1 A copy of Col. Hackart ... ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 A head of Mr. Greatorex 1213 o 
 
 Mrs. Greatorex, 3 qrs. ... ... ... ... 1212 o 
 
 Mrs, Richard Bateman, with a hand ... ... 15 15 o 
 
 A full length of Miss Sally Duesbury ... ,,, 31 ro o 
 
 4> A full length of Master Bateman '71**f ■■■ 3' '° o 
 
 A copy of Mr. Fares, ^length ... ... ... 25 4 o 
 
 A 3 qrs. of Mrs, Bateman ... ... ... ... 1616 o 
 
 * Engraved hy M.iyer. See li.sl. 
 
 t Eiigravfjil in mezzolint. See list. 
 
 X Engraved in "line." See list. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 121 
 
 Hugh Bateraan, Esqre., 3 qra-, with a hand 
 
 Shevl. Pole, Esqre., 3 qrs., with a h.md 
 
 Mrs. Pole, 3 qrs., with hands 
 
 Mrs. Briscoe, 3 qrs., with a liand .,. 
 
 A copy of Dr. Darwin for Sir Brooke Boothby 
 
 A copy ditto Mr. Strtitt 
 
 A full length of Mr. Barker, of Bakewell ... 
 
 £ s. d. 
 16 iG o 
 
 15 IS 
 52 10 
 
 A copy of Mr. Striitt, witli a liand... 
 A 3 qrs. of Mr. Alderson ... 
 A copy of ditto 
 
 A full length of Miss BenUey 
 
 ^iTor painimg Mr. Cheslyn's drapery 
 Two 3 qrs. pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Fox.. 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 r 2 
 
 
 0 
 
 I 2 
 
 I 2 
 
 0 
 
 3 1 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 1 2 
 
 
 0 
 
 
 4 
 
 0 
 
 Brooke Booihby Junr. Esqre. Dr. to Joseph Wright Sep. 30/// 1 780. 
 £ 
 
 A view of the High Tor at Matlock, by Moonlight, 
 
 3 
 
 Frame 
 
 A full length of himself 
 Another view of Matlock Tor 
 
 50 y 
 
 31 ID 
 
 Case for ditto 4/9 Frame for ditto 
 Altering Miss Boothby's picture, and retouching 
 
 two small ones on pannel 
 Lady \\'hitniore's 
 
 IS IS 
 
 LIST OF LANDSCAPE, HISTORICAL, FIRE & MOONLIGHT PAINTINGS. 
 
 Subject. 
 Two views of Matlock 
 
 Two grottos by the sea side in the gulf of Salerno 
 
 Vesuvius, for the Bp. Derry 
 
 A view of Cromford Bridge, its companion of Arkwright's mills 
 
 A large Vesuvius 
 
 A grotto in the gulf of Salernum, with the figure of Julia (companion 
 
 with HandiLti) ... 
 Virgil's Tomb . ... ---^ 
 
 A full length of " Maria" ... ^H,.'./^' 
 
 A 3 qrs. picture of Matlock I-Iigh Tor by moonlight 
 
 Another <>f Matlocli High Tor by moonlight 
 
 Part of the Cnlliseum — Snnshine 
 
 Ditto, its companion — -Aloonlight ... 
 
 Grotto in the Gulf of Salernum, moonlight, I length 
 
 Ditto, its companion — Sunset 
 
 A small picture of Carnarvon Castle, night 
 
 A large grotto in the gulf of Salernum, moon rising 
 
 A small moonlight of a Lake 
 
 The lake of Nemi, surset, 3 qrs. Its companion, moonlight 
 
 Frames for ditto @ 2 gs. & \ pr frame 
 
 A small oval of the Lake of \emi, its companion, with frames ... 
 
 One of the above size of Vesuvius 
 
 A small iiicture of the Girandolo 
 A grotto with Banditti ... ... 
 
 Sterne's Captive ... '^-■'-■-^af ■■-^.V--..]_ 
 
 A large Mount Vesuvius 
 
 t-t The Minstrel (Edwin) P_a.'776: 
 
 Two Views of Matlock _ .-- 
 
 A large picture of tiie Girandolo— companion to the Vesuvius which was 
 
 the Empress of Russia 
 
 Virgil's Tomb. .. 
 Neptune's Grotto 
 
 Purchaser. 
 
 Mr. Hodges 
 crossed through.. 
 D. P. Coke 
 
 Mr. Cockshutt ... 
 Mr. Cockshutt ... 
 
 Mr. Boothby 
 ditto 
 
 Mr. Hardman, of Manchester-. 
 Ditto 
 
 Mr. Daulby 
 Ditto ... 
 
 Prici^. 
 £ s. d. 
 63 o o 
 T05 o o 
 
 105 Q O 
 
 S4 
 
 52 ID 
 
 52 10 
 
 S4 O 
 
 52 10 
 
 10 10 
 
 S4 o 
 
 1(3 16 
 
 6i o 
 
 Mr. Daiilhy 
 
 Mr, Cocksliut ... 
 
 Sold to the Fhii|»ress (ol Russia) 
 
 Mr. Milnes 
 
 Mr. limes 
 
 S4 o 
 175 10 
 
 .go 
 
 CANDLE-LIGHT PICTURES. 
 
 (2 The Orrery... ... ... ■ 
 
 Boys with a bladder and its compn 
 
 d The air pump ^^'■..'.7^^ ... 
 
 c 'Uje Gladiator i y-..M^'^: 
 
 i/t^ie Academy 
 is^rhe Hermit 
 
 'f The Blacksmith's Shop 
 
 g Small Blacksmith's Sliop ... 
 
 An old woman knitting, her husband smoaking. Its companion, a girl at her 
 
 toilet 
 
 /t The Chymist 
 
 A Blacksmitli's shop 
 
 I The young Nobleman in his ancester's Tomb f-.Vi- ■ 'V-l-t^ ■ W. <;<^^.^'-*.".77^ 
 
 Ld. Ferrers 
 I,d. Exeter 
 I Dr. Bates 
 Dr. Bates 
 Lord Melbourne 
 
 Lord Melbourne 
 E. Parker 
 
 Mr. Alexander . 
 Mr. Milnes 
 
 (on account) 40 
 
 157 ro 
 los o 
 
 ' Engraved. See list of Engravings 
 
 t Engraved and also etched. 
 
 I to / engraved. See list of Engravings. 
 
 7 
 
122 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 SuiiJECT. 
 
 4 Candle light pictures at 30 guineas ea ... ... 
 
 Mem : Reed. 25th Oct. 1772 of Col. Pole twent/guineas in part of pay 
 for the picture of the boys with the bladder. ^ 
 
 The Picture of the Iron Forge 
 
 Mem : Nut sent. Picture of a Captive King 
 
 Picture of an iron forge viewed from without 
 
 Picture of Belshazzer at the feast when the hand appeared writing on the w: 
 S Picture of an earlh stopper ... 
 A sunset of the Lake of Nemi 
 
 Virgil's Tomb by moonlight 
 
 A distant View of the Hiyh Tor at Matlock 
 
 The Cascade at 'I'erni, 3 qr. . 
 
 A small picture of the Lake of Nemi, sunset, and its companion, moonlight 
 
 A large picture of Hero and Leander 
 
 A large picture of Virgil's Tomb 
 
 A large ditto of the cascade of Terni 
 
 A small piclure of Virgil's Tomb 
 A candle light piece ... '^.T^" 
 Galen ... 
 
 A A girl reading a letter by candle-hght 
 
 A small picture of a cottage on fire, seen tlirough a groupe of trees— sketch 
 
 A small picture of a view at Valatii, very warm evening ... 
 
 A ferry over the river Tay at Dunkield, in Scotland, moonlight 
 
 A Village on fire 
 
 A Liglithouse »H-4«e in the Mediterranean, sketch 
 
 A small storm, sketch 
 
 A sketch of Moimt Vesuvius, evening 
 
 An upright of a rocky scene wh a waterfall 
 
 A view in Italy — a warm sunset 
 A sketch of Vesuvius, morning 
 
 A view at Dunkeld, evening — companion to the moonlight wh Tate sold to 
 
 A small picture of a fire seen through a wood 
 
 A near view of Mount Vesuvius 
 
 A view of the City of Florence — sun rising... 
 
 A view in Scotland, half length, moonlight 
 
 A storm— Antigonus pursued by a bear 
 
 Two sketches of the Lakes of Albano and Nemi 
 
 A small one on pannel of ye lake of Albano 
 
 A cottage on fire 
 A cotlage on fire 
 
 —Sketch of a Lighthouse in the Mediterranean 
 
 ih 'i'he Spinster wh Collin singing her a ballad (^iuinished) ... 
 
 A Bridge seen tliro' a cavern on the coast of Sorento— moonlight 
 
 A View of the Ponti Sahirio, half length 
 
 A View in the Alps in the Dutchy of Milan, half length, noon 
 
 The companion tlitto, morning 
 
 A half length landscape of a cottage scene in Needwood Forest ... 
 A view of tiie lake of Como, in Italy, warm sunset, on pannel 
 ■\Villiam and Margaret, framed 
 Tiie cascade of Terni, framed 
 
 A large picture of the Dead Soldier 
 
 (t> The old man and death ' ... 
 Lusignan in prison 
 A small prison 
 
 A sea shore seen tliro' an arch in ye rocks, sunset 
 
 Romeo & Juliet ... ' 
 
 The Storm in the Winter. Tale 
 A cottage on fire 
 
 A view at the boat house near Matlock Town 
 Q A boy blowing a bladiler ... 
 
 ' A girl looking thro' a bladder ^ p^... , ...S\ r . -T. T 
 
 The Lake of Albano, sunset, h ^ehgdi ' ... ... ' 
 
 Two girls, with a chan oal stick 
 
 Boy and girl, wiih a bladder 
 
 A small view at Almalfa 
 
 A sea shore seen through an arch in the rock 
 
 A small picture of Vesuvius 
 
 Its companion by the Lake of Geneva, moonlight 
 
 A bit of the Ruins of the Colloseo, sunshine 
 
 A distant View of Vesuvius, from the shore of Posilipo ... 
 
 l->itlo ditto ditto 
 
 <::|> A boy and girl, with a bladder 
 A giti blowing a charcoal slick 
 
 pd 
 pd 
 
 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 Col. Pole 
 
 I 26 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Lord Palmerston 
 
 210 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 PrinceofBaaden ... . . . 
 
 
 ID 
 
 0 
 
 Empress of Russia 
 
 136 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 . ■- 
 
 Lord 
 
 52 
 
 1 0 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 G 
 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 
 '. "■ ."' 
 -<*iveB-td iny-frietta' Tate 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 
 Robt. Holden, Esqre ... 
 
 21 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 crossed through 
 
 
 
 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 73 
 
 ° 
 
 0 
 
 
 2 1 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 iVr B-xtes 
 
 
 
 
 Ditto 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 0 
 
 I' or my friend Plolland 
 
 1 0 
 
 ID 
 
 0 
 
 
 3G 
 
 ^5 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Lowe 
 
 36 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 G. L. Philips 
 
 1 0 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 J^Utte- M.P-*'V.L-'-^ 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 rL>itto Vt." . . .r ~ 
 
 1 0 
 
 ID 
 
 0 
 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 
 1 0 
 
 10 
 
 ° 
 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 
 i\i r. \\ aKcncliI ... 
 
 73 
 
 10 
 
 ° 
 
 Rev. Holden Shultleworih 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 S3 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 for my friend late ... 
 
 63 
 
 
 0 
 
 Mr, Henry Philips 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 2 I 
 
 ° 
 
 ° 
 
 1 Pi,;i;..r- 
 
 i .. r lllllp.'i ... ... ... 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Couit, Bristol 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Miss Linwood ... 
 
 15 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 
 10 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 ... ■■■ 
 
 5~ 
 
 10 
 
 ° 
 
 -^jjhn AliHTesT-E^qrc • ... 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 John Milnes, Esqre 
 
 ''j 
 
 ° 
 
 
 Mr. Milnes 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 ° 
 
 
 •^3 
 
 ° 
 
 0 
 
 
 ■05 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 6 - 
 
 
 
 
 53 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 16 
 
 16 
 
 
 Holland ... 
 
 I 2 
 
 1 2 
 
 0 
 
 
 136 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 31 
 
 15 
 
 
 Mr. Dcnby 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 
 3 ^ 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Milnes 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 14 
 
 14 
 
 0 
 
 given to L. Philips 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 I 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
 ■4;>itto ... 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 
 2 1 
 
 0 
 
 
 Air. Walker 
 
 3- 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Poploe Birch, Curzon Street, 
 
 
 
 
 May Fair... 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Mr. Hard man, Manchester 
 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 .Mr. Daulby 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 123 
 
 SUBJEiCT. 
 
 A distant View pf Vesuvius, from the Sliore of Posilipo, bigger than I length 
 
 A View of Cromford 
 
 An interna! View of a Prison 
 
 A View of Vesuvius, from the Shore of Posilipo 
 
 Cicero's Villa, in the Bay of Naples ... 
 
 A large one of ditto — sun setting after a shower 
 
 A small picture of the View of Cromford Bridge, moonlight 
 
 A bit of the Ruins of the Coloseo — sunshine ... ... ... . . 
 
 A View of Vesuvius from the Shore of Posilipo ... 
 
 Moonlight on the Coast of Tuscany in the Mediterranean, Com]ianion to the 
 
 large picture of Cicero's Villa 
 A View of Cosimato, on pannel 
 A Cottage, on fire 
 
 A picture of tlie Alps, on the side next Italy, in the Duchy of Milan 
 A View of Warwick Castle, moonlight 
 
 A distant View of Vesuvius, from the Shore of Posilipo, the eruption Principal... 
 The inside of a stable, near Tivoli 
 
 A small picture of a Bridge, in Italy, sunset, on pannel ... 
 
 A large picture of Prospero in his cell, showing a visionary spectacle to 
 
 Ferdinand & Miranda — 12 ft. « 8 ft. 6 
 
 A Circular picture, moonlight ... , ^ ■^v-<\\X>i.\ . \ - -f- ■ 
 
 A small picture of a distant View of Vesuvius, from ye Shore of Posilipo 
 A sepulchral niouument at old Capua — moonlight ... 
 Lake of Nemi, sun rising 
 A small picture of Chee Tor 
 
 A 3 qrs. of the Lnke of Albano, with the Monte Jove, seen through the arch of 
 
 an acqueduct 
 A small |)icture of Cosimato 
 
 A picture of a distant view of Vesuvius, from the Shore of Posilipo, painted on 
 
 pannel 
 Mecajna's Villa, on ditto 
 Cicero's Villa, on pannel 
 A Cottage on Fire 
 A Companion Moonlight 
 A View of Borrow Dale, sunset 
 A small i)icture of Neptune's Grotto 
 A small picture of the Lake of Albano, sunset 
 View^ the BoathoLise, Matlock ... 
 A View of Vesuvius from the Shore of Posilipo 
 The close scene from Cozen 's L ' ; t. 
 The Sea Shore, moonlight ... 
 
 A small moonlight, without the moon appearing ... 
 A morning View of the Ponte Salona 
 
 It's Companion, sunset of I'ivoli ... ... ... ... ... ... ...^ 
 
 A View of Dovedalc its companion of Cosimato ... ... ... ,. f 
 
 A view of the Ponte Mola ... 
 
 Virgil's Tomb, sun breaking thro' a cloud. Small picture 
 A Sunset, a bold sea shore, 3 qrs., from Cozens 
 Two ovals of Dove Dale, with frames 
 A close scene, morning, from Cozens 
 (Jt A View in Dove Dale, morning I qrs. 
 ' Companion, in do., moonlight 
 A small oval of Dovedale ... 
 
 An eruption of Vesuvius, from the Shore of Posilipo, on ])annel ... 
 
 Two small pictures of the island of Caprea 
 
 Hero & Leander — Storm 
 
 Its companion, moonlight ... 
 
 -'Margaret & William 
 
 The'siege of (libraltar 
 
 An Indian Cliicfs Widow ... 
 A Moonlight from Comus ... 
 A AVood Scene by moonlight, & frame 
 
 J- The Corinthian Maid 'V.^.-' 
 
 Penelope unravelling her web. candle-light... 
 June 7, 1783. Two small landskips 
 A 3 qrs. [jicture of a Lake in Italy, moonlight 
 A small ditto of ditto by moonlight 
 Its companion, a Land Storm 
 A small moonlight on the coast of Naples ... 
 A 3qrs. of Neptune's Grotto, with the Sybil's Temple, &c. 
 A Moonliglit, with an eruption of V., from the shore of Posilipo .. 
 The Companion, sunset in the Bay of Salerno ... ... ... .,, 
 
 A view of Amalfa, sunset 
 A sunset from Co?,ens 
 
 Mr. Edward Miindy 
 
 Mr. Gisborne ... 
 
 Mr. Smith 
 
 Edward Mundy 
 Mr. Gisborne ... 
 
 Mr. Macklin 
 
 Mr. Macklin 
 
 Mr. Jno. Milnes 
 Honble. A. Tompson ... 
 Mr. Hardman 
 Mr. Poploe Birch 
 Mr. Cutler 
 
 Mr. Arnold 
 
 Jno. Henderson, Esqre. 
 
 Pd. 
 
 Mr. Birch 
 Mr. Daulby 
 
 Given to my friend Tate 
 Sir Robt. \Vilmot 
 
 Mr. Culter 
 
 Mr. Bird, Liverpool 
 
 Edwd, Wilmot, Esqre , 
 Sir Robt. \Vilmot 
 Mr. Harvey 
 Mr. Boothby 
 
 " -J ... 
 
 Mr. Gisborne 
 
 Sir Brooke Boothby 
 
 Mr. Boothby 
 Mr. Boothby ... 
 B. Boothby 
 E. Mundy, Esqre 
 
 1)0. 
 
 Mr. Parsons 
 
 Tiic Honble Thos. Fitzniaurice 
 Do. 
 
 Mr. Jno. Milnes 
 
 Mr. Thompson . . , 
 Mr, Wedgwood.. 
 
 Given to my friend Tate 
 
 Mr. Bacon 
 
 Sold to my friend Holland 
 
 84 
 
 36 
 84 
 
 16 16 
 42 o 
 
 31 10 
 2 1 o 
 
 31 ID 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 36 
 
 15 
 
 
 3 ' 
 
 ro 
 
 0 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 
 14 
 
 0 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 0 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 31 
 
 ID 
 
 0 
 
 26 
 
 s 
 
 0 
 
 3C' 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 -36 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 31 
 
 
 0 
 
 3J 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 jf 
 
 1 0 
 
 
 4-; 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 3^ 
 
 J 0 
 
 0 
 
 3 f 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
 3 ! 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
 14 
 
 14 
 
 0 
 
 42 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
 
 84 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 420 
 
 o 
 
 0 
 
 63 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 84 
 
 
 0 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 105 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 21 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 
 iS 
 
 18 
 
 0 
 
 14 
 
 14 
 
 0 
 
 
 1 0 
 
 0 
 
124 
 
 WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 Subject. Purchaser. Price. 
 
 £ s d. 
 
 Reed. Sep. '85 of Mr. Gisbornc for two large drawings of Moses... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... S o o 
 
 A boy with a candle ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... -. ... ... ... 440 
 
 A boy blowing a bladder ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 440 
 
 A small picture of Borrowdale ... ... ... ... ... ... ... T- Tate... ... ... ... 12 12 o 
 
 A villnge on fire ... ... ... ... ... ... ... •■• ... ■■ .-■ ... -■. ... 63 o o 
 
 The Convent of Cosimato. Mem. not paid For MrfeHayley 26 5 o 
 
 Cottage on fire ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Mr. Cunningham ... ... 2100 
 
 Ditto Mr. N. Philii>s 52 10 o 
 
 A small picture of Lodore ... ... ... ... ... ■•- ... ... ... ... .■■ ... 1212 o 
 
 The Lnke of Nemi — on pannel 
 
 Asniallisli picture of UHswatcr, sunset Mr. Hardman ... 42 o o 
 
 A Ditto of Windermere witli Langdale Pikes ... ... ... ... ... T.M.Tate ... ... ... 42 o o 
 
 A J.arge picture of Ulls water 
 
 A smaUish one of the little cascade at Sir Mic-la-Flemings L. Plii]i])s 31 10 o 
 
 Picture of a bridge with the effect of a rainbow ... ... ... ... ... Mr. N. Philips ... ... ... 52 10 o 
 
 Ditto ditto 
 
 Keswick lake wli Skiddaw in the distance ... ... ... ... ... . . 
 
 A view upon UlLswalLT. morning ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... S'J 1 5 o 
 
 Ditto Kcs^vul.: I.nki.'. .^unsot Norris 36 15 o 
 
 A small picture uf a view \-<\ the sea side, sun rising \^ '■■ 5o\d to my friend Tate ... 12 12 o 
 
 A cottage on fire ... ... ... :.: ■ -...'"'^'".r. ^ ..." ... Norris 42 o o 
 
 A View of the outlet of AVhyburn Lake Tor iny friend Tate 42 o o 
 
 PICTURES KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN PAINTED BY WRIGHT BUT NOT 
 
 ENTERED IN THE MS. LIST. 
 
 ■'Conversation piece. Three of Mr. Bradshaw's cliiidren with a pet lamb ... 
 
 Port, of Mr. Woodville ... .. ... ... ... ... ... -■■ ■-■ ... full length 
 
 „ Mrs. Woodville... ... .. ... ■■■ ..- ■■- -■■ ■■■ ■■- do. 
 
 Dr. Wilson ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ■-■ -■■ half length 
 
 ,, Miss Macauley ... 
 
 ^ 6 
 
 7 
 S 
 9 
 
 A CATALOGUE OF PRINTS ENGRAVED AFTER PAINTINGS 
 BY JOSEPH WRIGHT, OF DERBY. 
 
 SUliJECT. 
 
 Two Boys with a Bladiier 
 
 Master Briidshaw and two Mi.ss Bradshaws with a Pet Lamb f ... 
 
 Count Miravan, a young nobleman of Syria, who having extravaganUy lavished 
 
 away his fortune, breaks open the tomb of his ancestors, expecting to find great 
 
 treasure ... 
 
 A philosopher giving a Lecture on the Orrery. J The following names are copied 
 from the margin "of a print of the Orrery, written in the year 1768, and are 
 believed to be the persons represented :— J. \\'right, Mr. Burdett taking notes, 
 young CanlrcU, A. Wintcrman, Mr. G. Snowden, Mr. Denby as the philosopher 
 
 A Philosopher giving a Lecture on the Air Pump, in which are introduced portraits 
 similar to above § 
 
 " The Gladiator." Mr. Wright in this picture has introduced himself in profile, ami he 
 and the other two figures (Burdelt and old John Wilson of the Devonshire 
 Almshouses), are comparing the drawing he has made with the Statue 
 
 Dcinocritus found studying Anatomy 
 
 An Alchymist j 
 
 A Fairicr's Shop 
 
 Master Ashton (with Dog) 
 
 A Drawing Academy 
 
 A Drawing Academy, 8vo. 
 
 A lllacksmith's Shop 
 
 An Iron Forge ... 
 
 John Harrison, F.sq., Surgeon, l,">erby 
 
 Edwin, the Minstrel (portrait of Thomas Hadcn, Esq.) 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Three Children of Walter Synnott, Esq. (with Birdcage) 
 Willinni and Margaret, taken from an Old Ballad 
 The Indian Widow 
 
 Aquatint. 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 Ditto. 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Outline. 
 
 Mezzotint 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 F)itto, 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Etching, 
 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 F)itto. 
 
 Engraveh. 
 J. P. Burdett. 
 Valentine Green, 
 
 Ditto. 
 Ditto. 
 
 W. Pether. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Normand. 
 
 Richard Earlom. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 J. R. Smith, 
 bit to. 
 
 F. Seymour Haden. 
 J. R. Smith. 
 1 )itto. 
 Ditto. 
 
 • Engraved. See list. ^-Tliis priiU 
 
 i orten miscalled the Family of Wiight, of Derby. "I iiL- 
 § The original painting is now in the ISatiunal L^li 
 
 }ii;inal paiiiling is now in the Deiby Art Gnllcry. 
 
WRIGHT OF DERBY. 
 
 125 
 
 33 
 34 
 
 35 
 
 37 
 38 
 39 
 40 
 
 4 43 
 
 ' 44 
 45 
 46 
 
 Subject. 
 
 The Lady in Milton's Comiis 
 
 Dr. Darwin, with pen in right hand. (" An alteration in the Face and-AVig from the 
 
 Original, and for the worse") ... 
 Ditto, with hands resting on a polished table''' 
 "The Captive," from Sicrne's Sentimental Journey ... 
 
 " The Captive,'' from Sterne. Engraved for Mr. Milnes, of Wakefield : who destroyed 
 
 the plate when twenty impressions had been taken off 
 Distant View of Vesuvius, from shore of Posilipo 
 " The Dead Soldier " 
 
 Ditto, same size as above, but a much inferior print ... 
 "The Dead Soldier," small 
 
 Prospero entertaining Ferdinand and Mininda with Spectacle. From tlie 
 
 "Tempest." For Boydell's Shakspeare Gallery .. 
 The Storm, Antigonus pursued by the Bear. From the " Winter's Tale." For 
 
 Boydell's Shakspeare Gallery... 
 John Whitehurst, F.R S , of Derby, " an elegant Engraving, and very like." 8vo. 
 
 in oval (another in oval on a pedestal) ... 
 Sir Richard Arkwright, Kt. 
 Sir Richard Arkwright, Kt., small (various) 
 
 Dr. Wilson. (Drawn by T. Lawrence) 
 
 Miss Kitty Dressing. Published February, 1 78 1 
 
 Portrait of Himself, wearing a hat ... 
 
 Ditto, ditto 
 
 Jedediah Strutt, Esq. (various) 
 Rev. Thomas Seward 
 
 Fireworks from the Casde of St. Angelo, Rome, 8vo.... 
 " Maria," from Sterne's " Sentimental journey " 
 
 Thos. Day 
 
 Moonlight View in Italy. Size of plate 2 i i6\ ... 
 
 The Twins (plate in this volume) ... 
 
 Miss Wrights. Two Girls with a Pet Lamb 
 
 Style. 
 
 Engr.-wer. 
 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 J. R. Smith. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Line 
 
 J. 1. Wedgwood. 
 
 Dotted. 
 
 Ryder. 
 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 J, K. Smith. 
 
 Line. 
 
 Byrne. 
 
 Line. 
 
 J' 
 
 Mczzotnit. 
 
 \v . 1 Jickmson. 
 
 Line. 
 
 Bovinet. 
 
 Line &: Stipple. 
 
 Thew. 
 
 Line. 
 
 Middiman, 
 
 Line. 
 
 J. Hall. 
 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 [. R. Smith. 
 
 Line. 
 
 A R. Meyer & 
 
 
 others. 
 
 
 J. & C. Sherwin. 
 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 \. Watson. 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 "Ward. 
 
 Line. 
 
 ?vL V. Sears. 
 
 Line & Stipple. 
 
 Meyer. 
 
 Line. 
 
 Cromer. 
 
 Line. 
 
 RadctifTe. 
 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 John Rapliael 
 
 
 Smith. 
 
 Line & Stipple. 
 
 Meyer. 
 
 Aquatint. 
 
 Fras. Kginton, 17S1. 
 
 Etching. 
 
 F. Seymour Haden. 
 
 Mezzotint. 
 
 S. Paul. 
 
 There are several other Minor Print.s after him. Also two very fine Mezzo Prints, scarce, 2 ft. (}\ in. ^ 2 ft. 2 in. of a 
 Boy and a Girl with a Bladder, and Two Gids with a Lighted Stick, with the name of W. Tate, pinxit (a friend of Wright's), which 
 is evidently an error, as it is known that Wright did paint these two pictures, and it is presumed tiiat Mr. Tate had them engraved, 
 hence the error. 
 
 A Portrait of the artist, engraved by Blake, was used as a frontispiece to J. Leigh Philips' article on Wn.^ht, in tli.- '■ Mfjnthly 
 Magazine," of Sept. i 797. Blake engraved his plate from an etching by Wrigiit himself, and of which only one r.ipy is now known 
 to exist. 
 
 Note. — The celebrated F2ngraving, "The Fishery, 
 painted by a Richard \\'right, of Liverpool. 
 
 ' engraved by WooUett, often ascribed as after " Wright, of Derby," was 
 
 It is interesting to know at what prices the fine Mezzotint Prints were published, and the following list is copied from a bill 
 for Prints, receipted by W. Pether : — 
 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 Gladiator ... 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
 Orrery 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 Air Pnmp... 
 
 
 ^5 
 
 0 
 
 Academy ... 
 
 0 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 Farrier's Shop 
 
 
 ro 
 
 6 
 
 ]\Laster Ashton 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Miravin 
 
 0 
 
 ro 
 
 6 
 
 Blacksmith's Shop ... 
 
 0 
 
 ^ 5 
 
 0 
 
 Hermit 
 
 0 
 
 15 
 
 0 
 
 Alchymist 
 
 I 
 
 
 0 
 
 
 £i 
 
 4 
 
 c 
 
 " Rec'' May 177S, of John Milnes, Esqr., by M'- Wright, the above sum, in full of all demands." 
 
 By W" PETHER. 
 
 £l 4 o- 
 
 " Wedgwood's Medallion of Dr. Darwin, willi his arms resting upon a lable, is taken from Wright's painting of the Doctor, now i 
 possession of Reginald Darwin, Esq., The Fern, Buxton. 
 
127 
 
 INDEX OF PERSONS. 
 
 Allen, Ml-., 102. 
 Almond, Rev., 5. 
 
 Angelo, Micliai-1, 39, 41, 4^, 69, 90, 91, 93, ili 
 Aikwriglil, Richard, 42, 51, S4, 
 Elizabclh, 42. 
 F. C, 4::, 84. 
 ,, John, 42. 
 ,, JijSL'ph, 42. 
 ,, Sii- Richard, 51, Si, in, 
 Aslilty, Rev., 7. 
 
 Ayton, Sirassey, Lee & Co., gi. 
 
 Bacon, Mr. (sciilplor), 53. 
 Bainbriggc,, Thomas, jun., 
 Bakewd!, Mr., 103. 
 Barbi;r (atlist), 55. 
 barker, J., 17. 
 Barrow, Mr., S9. 
 Bassano, Mrs,, 69. 
 Bales, Dr., 12, ill. 
 Baxter, Mr,, 35, 70. 
 JSeailie, Dr., 6S, 69. 
 Bcechy, Sir W., lit. 
 Bclper, Lord, 10, 79. 
 
 Bcr 
 
 Iknllcy, Mr., 4S, 69, 80. 
 Berghciii, 41. 
 Beridge, Dr., 25, S2. 
 
 ., Mrii,, Si, ii2. 
 lllackwall, Kev., 9. 
 Bl.akc, Mr., 106, 
 Bou^ficki, Ruv. il. \., 52. 
 Bool, Mrs., 10. 
 Bolls, 41. 
 
 Boydell, Alderman, 63, 64, 97, yS, 100, loi. 
 Brentnall, Mr., 29. 
 ISroukefi, Hannah, 3. 
 Biickk-y, iMlmumI, Si. 
 Buck^Lon, Rev. German, 82. 
 Burdetl, P. P., 9, 11, 12, 33, 4S, 76, 77, 7S, I 
 Mrs., 73. 
 
 Cade, Mr., Si. 
 ,, Mrs., 9. 
 ,, Miss 56. 
 Carleill, Mr., 52. 
 
 Mrs., 52. 
 Cantrull, Mr., 76. 
 Caracci, Liidivieo, 39. 
 Cesar, Mr., 29. 
 Chantrey, Mr. (sculptor), 5. 
 
 Cheslerllekl, Lord, 3. 
 
 Christie, Mr., 106, 107, in. 
 Clayton, Mr. and Mrs., 30. 
 ClylTord, Mr., S2. 
 Coke, Daniel P.irker, lo. 
 
 ,, Mr., jun., 30, 33. 
 Collnian. Mr,, -,2, 35. 
 Co]ile_v, Mr., 36, 99. 
 Curljo\ik!, Mr., 73, 74. 
 Correggio, 35, 36, 3S, 40. 
 Cu\, Rev. Dr., I. 
 Cumberland, Duchess of, 44. 
 
 ,, George, 106. 
 Curlis, Capt. R., 59. 
 
 Darwin, Erasmus, 5G, 69, ;g, So, Si, S;, 95, 
 
 Reginald, D.D., So. 
 Daulby, Mr., S5, S6, 87, 88. 
 Day, Mr., 79, So. 
 Daykene, Anne, 3. 
 Dean, George, 75. 
 Denby, ( "harlus, 9. 
 Denby, Mr. (organist), 9, 10. 76, 
 Deny, Bishop of, 43, 
 Domenichinu, 39, 
 Downiiian, Mr, (arlisl), 30. 
 Downman, Mrs,, 37. 
 Drcwiy, J., 114. 
 
 Edkins, William, 106, 
 Egerton, Messrs. T. and J., 
 Eley, Mr., 50. 
 Elliott, General, 59, 76. 
 
 Fallows, Mr., 47, 78. 
 Farrington, Mr., 48, 66. 
 Ferrers, Lady, 44. 
 
 „ Earl. 69, 76, 77, 78. 
 Fitzherherls, The, 50. 
 
 All.ync, 51. 
 Fla\man, 82, 
 riinl. Mrs., 30. 
 Forrester, Mr., 37. 
 Fowler, Miss, 30. 
 Fox, Mrs., 2S, 30. 
 French, Capt., 31. 
 Fuzeh, Mr., 71. 
 
 Gainsborough, 16, 44. 45, 67. 
 Garbage, Edmund, 61. 
 Garvey, Mr., 57, 61, 62. 
 Gell, Dorothy, 2. 
 Gibbon, Mr., 78, 79. 
 Gilpin, Mr., 97, 98. 
 Giotto, 40. 
 Girardot & Co., 37. 
 
 Gisborne, Rev. Thos., g, 25, 26, 92, 95, 102. 115. 
 
 „ John, 51. 
 Gray, Caroline, 3. 
 Gray, Sir lames, 3. 
 tlreasley, Mr., 31. 
 Greenwood, Mr., 28. 
 Griffith, Hon. Mrs., 25. 
 
 Hacket, Bishop, i. 
 Haden, Ann, 1 1. 
 
 ,, F. Seymour, 11, 68, 69, 
 „ Mr., 9, 47, 68, 69. 
 ,, Sarah, 11. 
 Hall, Messrs., 51. 
 Ilardman, Mr., 86, 92, 
 
 ,, Mrs., 64. 
 Harrison, lohn (singer), 5, 
 
 „ "J. R., 100. 
 Hayley, Mrs., Si, S2, S3. 
 
 „ (Poet), 25, 26, 2S, 43, 44, 57, 5S, 61, 62, 
 69, 76, Si, S2, S3, 98, 
 T. A. (sculptor), 69, 82, 83. 
 Heath, Mr., 64, 66, 69. 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 8S, 89. 
 
 94. loi- 
 Hcathcoate, Mr,, 29. 
 ilealhcote, Capt., 30. 
 
 Cel., 30. 
 Healhficid, Lord, 59. 
 Hogarth (artist), 11, 
 Holland, Jno., 26, 53, 79, 96, 102. 
 
 Mr., I'ord House, 52, iii. 
 Holworthy, James, 4. 
 Hope, Rev,, 9, 10, 
 Hopner, Mr., 1 11. 
 Houghton, Lord, 68, 
 Humphrey, Osias, 37. 
 
 Hudson (|)ortrait piaintei), 5, 6, 8, 11, 48, 50, 
 Hurleston, 27, so, 31, 47, 
 
 F. t,, 27, 
 Hurt, Charles, 53. 
 ,, Francis, 42. 
 
 Jenkins, Mr., 37. 
 Johnson, Dr., 11. 
 
 „ John, LL.D,, 
 
128 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Lansdowne, Lord, 12, 
 Langhorno, Mr., 70. 
 Lawrence, Mr., in. 
 Longp Mr., 100. 
 
 Macauley, Miss, 45. 
 Macklin, Mr., 101. 
 Martin, Mr., 64, 66. 
 McNiven, Mr, 
 
 Mei 
 
 iilh, Sir Wn 
 
 , 34- 
 
 Meteyarci, Miss, So. 
 Meyndl, Mr., 31. 
 Mundy, F. N. C, 10. 
 Montague, Mr., 37. 
 Middiman, Mr., S9. 
 Miib.jiirrie, Mr,, 63, 93. 
 Miles, Captain, 46. 
 
 ,, Mr., 46. 
 Milnes, J., 74. 
 Moreland, Mr., 26, 91, 92. 
 MoTcwood, Mrs., 52. 
 Morland, Mr., 74. 
 Mortimer (artist), 8, 33, 5S. 
 Mosley, Mr., 114. 
 
 Nash, Jno., i. 
 Newton, Mr., 58. 
 Noell, Coiinsdlor, 7. 
 Northcote, Mr,, 99. 
 
 Oakes, Janie.s, 11, 
 
 Oliv 
 
 , Tlior 
 
 Orford, Lord, S. 
 Orred, Major, 55.' 
 Osmaston, John, 77. 
 Overstone, Lord, 74. 
 
 Palladio, 40. 
 
 Parry, Mr., 36. 
 
 Pasqiiin, Anthony, 57, 61, 62. 
 
 Pether, Mr., 31, 
 
 Phelps, Mr., 50. 
 
 Philips, H., 89, 91, 92, 100. 
 
 ,, J. L., 57, SS, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70, 72, 73. 
 74. 85, SS, 90, 9t, 92, 93. 94. 95. i02; 
 104, 105, 106. 
 
 „ N., 94- 
 
 Pickford, Joseph, 55, 56. 
 
 Pindar, Peter, 69, 79. 
 
 Pope, The, 34. 
 
 Poussin, 3S. 
 
 Prig, Mr., 62 
 
 Prince Charles Edward, ' 
 
 Raphael, 37, 38, 39. 
 Rawiinson, Mr., 50. 
 Rawson, Mr., 31, 
 Redgrave, Messrs., 26, 41, 
 R., 67. 
 S., 5S. 
 Rembranl, 40. 
 Reynolds, J^ir Joshua, K.A„ 
 
 9S, 99- 
 Robins, Mr , 16, 17. 
 Rogers, Mr., loi. 
 Komney, Mr., 28, 36, 37, S3, 98. 
 Rought, ThoB., 77. 
 
 Russia, Catharine, Empress of, 30, 35, 
 
 Sale, Mrs., 76. 
 Salmon, Captain, 40. 
 Scarsdale, Lord, 37. 
 Seward, Anna, 69, 79, Si. 
 Sh'ackleford, Mr., 29. 
 Shaw, Ml'., 112, 114. 
 Shelton, Mrs., 2S, 30. 
 Sikes, Joseph, 52. 
 Simpson and North, Messrs., 
 .Snieeton, J., no. 
 Smith (artist), 26. 
 
 ,, Mr., 87, S9. 
 Smirke, Mr., 74. 
 Snowden, G., 76. 
 Sotheby, William, 31, 70. 
 Sproule, Mrs., 44. 
 Stephens, F. G., 62, Sr. 
 Sterne, 26, 52, 69, 70. 
 Stevens, Mr., 37. 
 Swift, Ann, 27. 
 Synnott, Walter, 52, 
 
 Tacet (musician), 9. 
 Tate, Jno. Moss, 5, 
 
 44. 48, 67, 
 
 R,, 
 
 Thomas, 26, 31, 32, 33, 63, 64. 65, 66, 
 77, Ss, S7, SS, 89, 91, 92. 93. 91. 95. 
 100, 101, 103. 
 
 rs, 40. 
 
 Thacker, Mr., 3. 
 Thornton, Mr., S3. 
 Tinloret, 39. 
 
 Titian, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40. 
 Turner, J. M. W., R.A., 4, 31 1 
 
 Dr., S3. 
 Tyrrell, Walter, 68, 
 
 Van, Mr. and Mrs., 30. 
 Vandicke, 40. 
 Vasari, Mr,, 63, loi. 
 Veronese, Paul, 39, 40. 
 
 Wallis, Sarah, 4. 
 Ward, Mr. and Miss, 47. 
 Waste, Joan, 56. 
 Watkins, Nan, 78 
 Wedgwood, Godfrey, 26, 61. 
 
 ,, Josiah, 26, 4S, 69, So, Si. 
 West, Mr., gS, 99. 
 Whialt. Mr., SS. 
 Whitehursl, Mr., 34. 
 Wilcockson, Frances, 2. 
 Williams, John, 61, 62. 
 Wilmot, Sir Eardley, 3. 
 Wilson, Capt, John, 2. 
 Dr., 45- 
 
 „ Old John, II. 
 
 ,, Richard, i, 53. 
 Winter, Mr., 10. 
 Winterman, A., 76. 
 W'instanley and Taylor, Messrs., 71. 
 Wolcolt, Dr., 79. 
 Wolfe, General, 71. 
 Wollett, Mr. (engraver), 5. 
 Wood, Bishop, I. 
 Wood, Mr., 24. 
 Woodville, Mrs., 55. 
 Woodward, G. W., 56. 
 Woty, W., 77- 
 
 Wright, Anne Elizabeth, or '• Nancy," 4, 2S, 29, 
 30. 33. 34. 36. 4S. 
 Dr. Richard (of London), 3. 
 " Equity Wright," 3, 4. 
 
 Fran 
 
 . 77- 
 
 Hannah, 4. 
 Harriett, 103. 
 Jolm, 3. 
 Joseph, 4. 
 Rev. John. I, 2. 
 
 Richard (of Derby), 3, 6, 27, 34, 41, 51, 
 
 77. 105. lo5, III, 115. 
 Richard (marine painter), 5. 
 
 I & Sons, PBl.^ 
 
 AND 23, Old Kailey, London.