Landscape with a Rainbow

Joseph Wright of Derby, 1734–1797

between 1793 and 1794

Oil on canvas

Yale Center for British Art

Joseph Wright of Derby, known for portraits and genre scenes, was drawn to landscapes in his later career, seeking to capture special effects of natural light, as exemplified by this painting of a rainbow. Although best known for his portraits and candlelight genre scenes, frequently of scientific or industrial subjects, Joseph Wright of Derby was particularly drawn to landscapes in his later career. In 1792 he wrote to friend and patron John Leigh Philips: “tho’ I am engaged in portraits . . . I find myself continually stealing off, and getting to landscapes.” The following year he wrote to the same friend: “I am trying my hand at a rainbow effect.” In many of his landscapes, Wright sought to capture special effects of natural light, as he had earlier made a name for himself with his pictures of artificial light (two of which are sho