The Captive
Joseph Wright of Derby · 1774
Why it's great
A man in prison sits with his head in his hands, in a dark cell lit by a single lamp. This is an illustration from a story by Laurence Sterne about a man who is imprisoned. Wright used the light to create a sad, quiet drama. It's a thoughtful work about freedom.
Where to see it
📍 Derby Museum and Art GalleryDerby, United Kingdom
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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.
