Art Funded by you

Portrait of Dr Erasmus Darwin

Joseph Wright of Derby, c. 1770

Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, was a central figure in the 18th-century British Enlightenment. A true polymath, he was a gifted physician, botanist, author, poet and inventor. He was an atheist and an early proponent of evolution, expressing his ideas in his poem The Temple of Nature. Joseph Wright of Derby was the lead artist of the Enlightenment. While he was best known for his scientific works such as the iconic Experiment with a Bird in an Air Pump, but much of his output was portraiture. Darwin sat for Wright of Derby several times throughout his career, including a portrait made when he was in his 60s, which was bought for Derby Museum and Art Gallery with help from the Art Fund. The scientist was 40 when he sat for this portrait, which was owned by his elder brother William and remained in the family until sold at auction in 2009. Wright only created two copies of this painting; the other is currently on loan to Darwin College Cambridge from a private collection.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Portrait of Dr Erasmus Darwin, c. 1770

Date supported

2013

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

75 x 62 cm

Grant

75000

Total cost

275000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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