Wright, Joseph, 1734-1797

English painter.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Derby, to Miss Seward, 1788 Oct. 12. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270857244

In 1785, the painter Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797) organized a one-man exhibition of his work at the Covent Garden auction rooms of Henry Robins. The setting for the show was a response to the Royal Academy's failure to elect him as a Royal Academician in February, 1783. Paintings exhibited included The Lady from Milton's "Comus", The Indian Widow, Penelope Unravelling her Web, Julia in a Cavern by Moonlight, two Hero and Leander subjects, A Distant View of Vesuvius, two views of Dovedale, A Wood Scene, Moonlight , and the large View of Gibraltar During the Destruction of the Spanish Floating Batteries, 13 September 1782. The show was very well reviewed, with the General Evening Post for 12-14 April 1785 stating that "it is universally acknowledged by artists and amateurs to be the noblest spectacle of the kind ever shewn in this kingdom".

From the description of Exhibition of Mr. Wright's Pictures at Robin's Rooms, Great Piazza, Covent Garden, 1785. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702185544