This is a painting of an interior scene at an iron forge. The scene shows a dimly lit space dominated by architectural wooden beams and a stone wall backdrop. A central figure is near glowing embers, and various tools and equipment are scattered in the foreground. The painting conveys a narrative through its composition and use of contrasting light and shadow, showcasing the intense labor and character present in the environment. The style is reminiscent of Joseph Wright of Derby, known for his depictions of industrial and scientific scenes.
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This is a painting of an interior scene at an iron forge. The scene shows a dimly lit space dominated by architectural wooden beams and a stone wall backdrop. A central figure is near glowing embers, and various tools and equipment are scattered in the foreground. The painting conveys a narrative through its composition and use of contrasting light and shadow, showcasing the intense labor and character present in the environment. The style is reminiscent of Joseph Wright of Derby, known for his depictions of industrial and scientific scenes.

National Gallery of Art · Print

An Iron Forge

Richard Earlom after Joseph Wright

Date
1773
Medium
mezzotint
Dimensions
sheet: 48.6 × 60.2 cm (19 1/8 × 23 11/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1963.11.93
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • interior
  • architecture
  • Dog
  • mezzotint
  • Fire
  • Figures
  • Machine

NGA object ID 46826. 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.