Indian Widow
Joseph Wright of Derby Β· 1783
Why it's great
A woman in a dark landscape raises her hands in grief. Wright of Derby painted this from a poem about a woman mourning her husband. The moonlit night and dramatic lighting make the scene feel eerie. It's a haunting example of the artist's skill with light.
Where to see it
π Derby Museum and Art GalleryDerby, United Kingdom
Open in Maps βHang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
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.





