Italian Landscape
Joseph Wright·1790
Historical Context
Wright of Derby's Italian Landscape, painted in 1790, reflects his Italian journey of 1773-1775, which profoundly influenced his art. Wright was particularly moved by the dramatic natural phenomena he witnessed in Italy — eruptions of Vesuvius, the fireworks at Castel Sant'Angelo, and the moonlit landscapes of the Roman Campagna. This later painting, produced from memory and sketches, captures the luminous Italian light that remained a touchstone for him throughout his career.
Technical Analysis
Wright's oil technique renders the Italian landscape with the atmospheric sensitivity that characterizes his best work. The warm, golden light and careful modulation of tones from foreground to distant horizon demonstrate his ability to capture specific light conditions with scientific precision and poetic feeling.
Provenance
Mr. Mills, Yorkshire.[1] A.J. Bentley, by 1831;[2] by descent to John Bentley, Esq. [1797-1879], Birch House, near Bolton, Lancashire, and Portland Place, London; his estate; (sale, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 15 May 1886, no. 71); purchased by F.B. Benedict Nicolson, London, until 1960. (Durlacher Brothers, London); sold 11 April 1960 to (Thomas Agnew & Sons, London); sold 6 July 1960 to Paul Mellon, Upperville, Virginia;[3] gift 1983 to NGA. [1] According to the catalogue of the Bentley sale, Christie's, London, 1886. Nicolson identified Mr. Mills with John Milnes of Wakefield, Yorkshire, who was one of Wright's principal patrons, but the Washington picture is not identifiable with any picture Milnes is known to have owned. (Benedict Nicolson, _Joseph Wright of Derby: Painter of Light_, 2 vols., London, 1968: I:260.) [2] He lent the painting to _Pictures by Italian, Spanish, Flemish, Dutch and English Masters_, Royal Manchester Institution, 1831, no. 145, as _Italian Scene--Convent of St. Cosimata_. [3] Stockbook no. 3055, Thomas Agnew & Sons, London.
