Exploring Enlightenment Themes in 'An Experiment on a Bird'
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Chapter 1: The Context of 'An Experiment on a Bird in an Air Pump'
Joseph Wright of Derby's captivating work, An Experiment on a Bird in an Air Pump (1768), serves as a profound narrative reflecting its time, while still challenging contemporary perspectives on scientific progress. Measuring nearly two-and-a-half meters, this painting stands as the largest of Wright's candlelight pieces. While he also created Rococo-style portraits akin to Thomas Gainsborough, his legacy is largely defined by moody landscapes and vividly illuminated depictions of scientific themes.
Wright emerged as a leading English painter of the eighteenth century, and the intricate detail of this oil on canvas underscores his talent. He honed his skills in London under the mentorship of Thomas Hudson, a notable portrait artist trained by Joshua Reynolds. Ultimately, Wright opted to return to Derby, which was then a hub of the burgeoning Industrial Revolution—akin to today's Silicon Valley.
In Derby, Wright associated with influential figures like Josiah Wedgwood, known for his pottery, and Erasmus Darwin, who convened monthly with peers in a society dubbed the Lunar Club. This group would dine and engage in discussions late into the night, benefiting from the full moon's illumination. The moonlight in Wright's painting enhances the atmosphere, while some speculate that the gentleman depicted with a pocket watch is a representation of Erasmus Darwin himself.
We find ourselves in a position to observe the unfolding experiment, with an inviting space at the table suggesting we could join the discussion. The natural philosopher, later recognized as a scientist, engages our gaze, almost beckoning us into the circle. His disheveled hair and passionate demeanor imbue him with an aura of a wizard or a fervent priest heralding a transformative belief: that science and reason could expand humanity's understanding. This notion was fundamental to Enlightenment ideology.
Section 1.1: The Artistic Influences on Wright
Wright's masterful play of light and shadow aligns him with Enlightenment art, where illumination signifies discovery through observation and rational thought, drawing inspiration from Baroque predecessors. The stylistic legacy of Caravaggio is evident in the implied narratives, expressive gestures, and the striking chiaroscuro that highlights the figures against deep shadows. The Humanist approach may also trace roots to Rembrandt, a Baroque artist skilled in using light to convey meaning.
Additionally, Dutch painter Godfried Schalcken likely influenced Wright with his fascination for candlelit scenes. Wright also looked to Thomas Frye for visual guidance, incorporating elements from Frye's mezzotint engravings known for their dramatic ink usage. Although Frye passed away six years before the completion of this painting, they may have shared acquaintances and influenced one another's work.
Subsection 1.1.1: Gender Roles and Reactions
The two young girls illuminated by candlelight convey a mix of concern and discomfort; the older girl turns away while the younger seeks solace. Perhaps it is their pet cockatoo, a rare bird for the period, that lies within the glass air pump, gasping for its final breath as the vacuum is established. A man, with his arm resting on the older girl, appears to urge her to observe and learn. This painting offers much to contemplate regarding the gender expectations of the time, even as they began to be challenged.
In contrast, the man with the pocket watch and the boy beside him exhibit a detached curiosity, with the boy eagerly anticipating a potentially grim conclusion. Meanwhile, two lovers in the background are lost in each other's gaze. The older gentleman at the table removes his spectacles, seemingly contemplating the broader ramifications of the experiment on humanity's destiny, as he studies a mysterious goblet that seems to contain an animal's lung—a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the fragility of human existence.
Section 1.2: The Emergence of Gothic Aesthetics
The painting's setting, style, and narrative also hint at early Gothic aesthetics, characterized by its dark interior illuminated by candlelight and moonlight, alongside themes of life and death, highlighting humanity's quest for dominion over both through scientific inquiry. Notably, this work emerged just four years after the release of Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto, recognized as a cornerstone of Gothic literature.
The boy near the curtains holds a rope connected to an empty birdcage. An optimistic interpretation might suggest he is ready to lower the cage, hoping the scientist's actions will revive the cockatoo, allowing it to return to its home. Alternatively, we may wonder if the bird's fate is sealed. As spectators, the decision rests with us.
This eighteenth-century artwork continues to prompt reflection nearly three centuries later. We are still grappling with the consequences of the Industrial Revolution initiated by Wright's contemporaries—its advantages, such as technological advancements, and its drawbacks, including the current climate crisis. Notably, Erasmus Darwin played a pivotal role in guiding his nephew Charles during the Voyage of the Beagle, which ultimately shaped Charles Darwin's theories of evolution.
As we engage with the latest scientific breakthroughs—such as CRISPR and its implications for genetic manipulation and cloning—we are compelled to form our own perspectives on their societal impact. We must consider the viewpoints represented around the table in the painting or delve deeper to cultivate our informed opinions.
Chapter 2: Engaging with Wright’s Legacy
Exploring the artistic and historical significance of Joseph Wright's works, this trailer provides insight into his contributions to Enlightenment thought.
A poignant scene from Hellzapoppin' featuring Martha Raye, capturing the essence of the era and the shifting societal norms in relation to science and enlightenment.