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This is a painting of a group of people gathered around a sculpture in a dimly lit room. The scene depicts a neoclassical setting where individuals appear to be examining or discussing the central sculpture, a woman on a pedestal. The architecture features archways and columns with classical elements, creating a refined ambiance. The contrast between light and shadow enhances the focus on the sculpture and the expressions of the individuals.
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This is a painting of a group of people gathered around a sculpture in a dimly lit room. The scene depicts a neoclassical setting where individuals appear to be examining or discussing the central sculpture, a woman on a pedestal. The architecture features archways and columns with classical elements, creating a refined ambiance. The contrast between light and shadow enhances the focus on the sculpture and the expressions of the individuals.

National Gallery of Art · Print

An Academy by Lamplight

William Pether after Joseph Wright

Date
1772
Medium
mezzotint on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 58.3 x 45.8 cm (22 15/16 x 18 1/16 in.) sheet: 60.7 x 48.1 cm (23 7/8 x 18 15/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2001.96.11
Credit line
Paul Mellon Fund
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • mezzotint
  • Studio
  • art
  • genre
  • Night
Provenance

Christopher Lennox-Boyd; (C. G. Boerner Limited, New York); purchased 2001 by NGA.

Inscription

lower center verso in graphite: P 52.469 CLB; lower left in plate: Ios. Wright. Pinxt.; lower right in plate: W. Pether. Fecit.

Watermarks

dovecote

NGA object ID 119600. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.