Earthstopper on the Banks of the Derwent
Joseph Wright of Derby · 1773
Why it's great
A man with a lantern and a shovel works by moonlight, blocking fox dens before a hunt. Wright painted a moonlit scene on the Derwent river in England, with a glowing moon behind the clouds. The light is magic. It's an unusual picture of rural work.
Where to see it
📍 Derby Museum and Art GalleryDerby, United Kingdom
Open in Maps ↗Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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Joseph Wright of Derby was born in Derby, England, and spent nearly his whole life there. He was famous for painting scenes lit by a single candle or lamp, often showing scientific experiments. His friends included inventors and scientists of the Industrial Revolution. He's often called the first painter to capture the spirit of the Age of Science.
