The Facts
On October 29, 2026, the J. Paul Getty Museum announced "A Light in the Dark: Joseph Wright of Derby," an exhibition showcasing the 18th-century English artist's candlelight paintings. On view at the Getty Center from November 24, 2026 to March 14, 2027, the exhibition centers on the museum's 2020 acquisition of "Two Boys with a Bladder," a recently rediscovered work. It will be displayed alongside its companion piece "Two Girls Dressing a Kitten by Candlelight" for the first time since 1772. Other highlights include Wright's debut candlelight "Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candle-Light" (1765) and the large-scale "A Philosopher Giving that Lecture on the Orrery" (1766), as well as a self-portrait from the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, traveling to the U.S. for the first time.
The Signal
The exhibition presents new technical research by Getty conservators and scientists, who used X-ray fluorescence mapping to identify Wright's use of silver leaf to simulate light effects—a method unique among 18th-century British artists. Curatorial findings also clarify the origin of "Two Boys with a Bladder," which was exhibited in London in 1767. The show underscores how Wright's candlelights, with their theatrical lighting and meticulous brushwork, captivated 18th-century audiences and continue to offer fresh insights into British art history. The accompanying catalogue and public lectures further explore these discoveries.
- Artists: Joseph Wright of Derby
- People: Timothy Potts, Julia Siemon, Davide Gasparotto
- Museums: J. Paul Getty Museum, Derby Museums, National Gallery of Victoria
- Locations: Los Angeles
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