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The Orrery by Joseph Wright
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The Orrery by Joseph Wright
The Orrery by Joseph Wright (1734-1797). This artwork was painted in 1766. Its full title is A Philospher giving a Lecture on the Orrery in which a Lamp is put in place of the Sun and is the first of the series of candlelight compositions that established Wrights name. It depicts a public demonstration of an orrery (bottom centre), a piece of equipment that shows the movement of planets around the Sun (represented by a lamp) during the course of the year. The Orrery was influenced by meetings between Wright and his friends, when they demonstrated experiments and discussed the latest scientific developments
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Media ID 6414509
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 18th Century Astronomer Child Demonstration Experiment Movement Orbits Painting Philosophy Planets Public Science Education Scientist Spectator Spectators Joseph Wright
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The Orrery - A Glimpse into the Enlightened 18th Century
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this print of Joseph Wright's masterpiece, "The Orrery" we are transported back to a time when scientific enlightenment was sweeping through society. Painted in 1766, this artwork showcases Wright's innovative candlelight compositions and solidified his reputation as a distinguished artist. At the heart of the painting lies an orrery, an intricate device that mesmerizes spectators with its representation of planetary movements around the Sun. In place of our celestial star, a lamp shines brightly, illuminating the surrounding figures who eagerly gather to witness this public demonstration. Among them is a philosopher passionately delivering his lecture on astronomy while engaging both adults and children alike. Wright's inspiration for "The Orrery" stemmed from his intellectual gatherings with friends where they exchanged ideas and conducted experiments. This painting beautifully captures their spirit of curiosity and exploration during an era defined by scientific progress. As we gaze upon this remarkable piece of art, we are reminded not only of humanity's insatiable thirst for knowledge but also our capacity to marvel at the wonders of our universe. Through Wright's skilled brushstrokes, he invites us to join these spectators in contemplating the mysteries hidden within planetary orbits. This extraordinary print from Science Photo Library allows us to appreciate not just Joseph Wright’s artistic brilliance but also serves as a testament to how science education has shaped our understanding of the cosmos throughout history.
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