The painting of Joseph Wright - Essay Example

Criticism of an experiment done on a bird Descriptive criticism The painting of Joseph Wright displays human drama that comes out perfectly in a night setting. The scientist in the painting draws air from a flask using a pump. The flask contains a brightly colored white cockatoo, which was a rare species of birds at that time (The National Gallery). The viewer is not sure whether or not the bird will die because Wright creates a sense of dilemma that makes the piece of art more attractive. The painting presents diverse reactions among the witnesses of the experiment. The children on the painting show facial expressions of fright on what would follow. The fright associated with seeing the bird die overcomes one of the children until she shies away from the view. Her father holds her and encourages her to witness the experiment. The man in the front view of the picture seems to engross himself in deep thought and reflection. There appears to be excitement among the youth on how the experiment is progressing. There are two lovers on the left who seem to have little clue on the experiment and are more keen on each other than they are on the experiment (The National Gallery). The bird in the flask unifies and focuses the disparate elements of the painting. The painting employs the use of spherical and curved shapes on the glass flask, the objects on the table, and the moon bringing out a sense of perfection. The candle dramatically lights the elements in the painting while the moon adds to this drama by presenting a view of the outside world. There is a skull in a container barring the candle’s light. The scientist appears to look at the viewer of the painting with a suggesting impression of seeking the viewers’ opinion on whether to continue with the experiment or not. The other people on the painting seem to have less concern for the fate of the bird. The father shows attention to his daughters while the lovers show affection to each other. The boy at the window appears to raise the cage, lower the cage, or to open the curtain in order to allow the moonlight to penetrate. 2. Interpretive criticism The painting presents the perception of people towards science. Some fear the works of science, some show great interest and fascination, some show in-depth analysis, while others seem indifferent (The National Gallery). The children present a sense of fear about the nature of this experiment and the fact that it occurs at night adds to the fright. The painting portrays the youth as people who enjoy engaging in adventure and are fascinated in taking part in experiments. The youth also appear to be among the most active participants in the painting; one is adjusting the height of the cage and making way for the moonlight, while the other two are keenly observing the experiment with one of the two having a timer. This active participation shows the energetic involvement of the youth in activities. The man sitting on the front-right is in deep thought about the experiment. He offers the philosophical view of science and tries to demystify the outcome of the experiment. These thoughts preoccupy his mind until he loses touch with the experiment. The painting presents another kind of human behavior, which is a complete lack of concern on what is happening around them. The two lovers have no interest on the fate of the bird, but all they care about is their love. The central and powerful source of light presents a chiaroscuro effect. This light is brilliant and may be a form of revelation of what is transpiring. The use of a cockatoo for the experiment presents a sense of deep concern on the nature of science. Experiments may go out of the normal with the use of a rare bird instead of using common birds like sparrows since the outcome will be the same. The painting also depicts experiments as workings that are keen on detail as shown by the careful choice of the bird, proper lighting, and the use of a timer to get fine details of the outcome. 3. Evaluative criticism The painting provides details of the event and shows a good interplay between the regions of the painting. There is a sense of relationship between the reactions of the people on the painting and the reaction of others, which goes ahead to influence the outcome of the painting. This connection between the parts of the painting elicits participation, making the painting perfect. The painting provides insight into the nature of human behavior in relation to science and socialization. The reactions and interests shown by persons in the painting help the viewer to come up with conclusions and lessons about life and science (The National Gallery). These lessons enable the viewer to seek a deeper engagement with the elements of the painting since it provides more insight upon careful analysis. This insight results in a lasting interest in the painting. The insight that the painting evokes on the subject matter is so engaging and breaks the monotony of viewing the art repeatedly. The painting is a masterpiece since it is perfect in its regional relationships, is insightful about the subject matter, and inexhaustibly covers the subject matter to attract great participation. 4. Comparison The painting on the experiment on a bird is similar to the painting on a philosopher offering a lecture about the orrery. Both pieces of art employ the use of a powerful light source placed on the center in order to create a dramatic view of the scene. In both paintings, there is a group of people of varying ages surrounding the object of focus and presenting different facial expressions of their attitudes (History.org). The occurrence of events in both paintings is in the dark, and the lighting source perfectly captures the shadows of the figures in the picture. Curves dominate both paintings. The painting of the experiment shows the lack of control of the scientist in conducting the experiment since he appears to reach a decision in relation to the general mood. On the other hand, the philosopher is in control of his lecture and attracts the attention of the majority of his listeners (History.org). The painting on the experiment on a bird is a superior piece of art as compared to the one of a philosopher lecturing because of the level of detail and insight on the subject matter that it presents. Links to the paintings http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/joseph-wright-of-derby-an-experiment-on-a-bird-in-the-air-pump http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/wright-of-derbys-a-philosopher-lecturing-on-the-orrery.html References History.org,. Primary Source: A Philosopher Giving A Lecture On The Orrery : The Colonial Williamsburg Official History & Citizenship Site. N.p., 2014. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. The National Gallery,. Joseph Wright Of Derby | An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump | NG725 | The National Gallery, London. N.p., 2014. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. Read More