Portrait of Colonel Charles Heathcote
Joseph Wright of Derby·c. 1771–72
Historical Context
Joseph Wright of Derby painted this Portrait of Colonel Charles Heathcote around 1771-72, during the period when he was establishing himself as one of England's most distinctive portraitists. Wright is best known for his dramatic candlelit scenes of scientific experiments, but his portraits were equally accomplished, combining the solid English portrait tradition with his unique sensitivity to light effects. Colonel Heathcote was likely a member of the Derbyshire gentry, and this portrait reflects the confident self-image of the provincial English ruling class during the early years of the Industrial Revolution.
Technical Analysis
Wright's portrait technique here shows his characteristic attention to lighting, with carefully modulated flesh tones and a warm, natural palette that avoids the formulaic approaches common in contemporary English portraiture.
Provenance
Colonel Charles Heathcote (1730–1803) and by descent; (Christie's, London, April 26, 1985, no. 113); Private Collection, USA; (Sotheby's, London, November 12, 1997, no. 69); (Sotheby's, London, June 8, 1999, no. 13); (Christie's, New York, January 26, 2011, no. 35); Private Collection; (Thos. Agnew and Sons Ltd., London, from whom purchased by the Cleveland Museum of Art); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
_-_A_Moonlight_with_a_Lighthouse%2C_Coast_of_Tuscany_-_N05882_-_National_Gallery.jpg&width=600)
