Who painted “The Alchemist Discovering Phosphorus”?

“The Alchemist Discovering Phosphorus” was painted by Joseph Wright of Derby in 1771. Where to see it: Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Rococo

What to look for

Joseph Wright of Derby: scenes lit by a single candle or lamp, glowing faces in the dark, science and industry as drama.

Joseph Wright (3 September 1734 – 29 August 1797), styled Joseph Wright of Derby, was an English painter who specialised in portrait painting and landscape art. He has been acclaimed as "the first professional painter to express the spirit of the Industrial Revolution". Wikipedia

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More by Joseph Wright of Derby

“An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump”, 1768
“A Journalist Lecturing on the Orrery”, 1766
“Two Girls Dressing a Kitten by Candlelight”, 1769
“Romeo and Juliet: the Tomb Scene”, 1790
“Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight”, 1765
“The Captive King”, 1772
“Earthstopper on the Banks of the Derwent”, 1773
“Indian Widow”, 1785