An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Virgil's Tomb by Moonlight, with Silius Italicus DeclaimingJoseph Wright (Wright of Derby)
British, Derby 1734–1797 Derby
1779
40 x 50 in. (101.6 x 127 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Gifts of Mrs. William M. Haupt, Josephine Bay Paul, and Estate of George Quackenbush, in his memory, by exchange, The Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund Gift, and funds from various donors, 2013
In "Virgil's Tomb by Moonlight," Joseph Wright of Derby invites us into a mysterious and tranquil scene. The painting depicts a dimly lit cave where Silius Italicus, a Roman poet, is seen in deep contemplation. The moonlight softly bathes the scene, illuminating the rocky landscape and creating an ethereal glow.
Wright skillfully contrasts light and shadow, drawing our eyes to the central figure and the warm tones of the cave entrance. This warm light seems to symbolize inspiration and creativity, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of poetry and the past. The looming trees and quiet hillside create a sense of solitude, enhancing the feeling of introspection.
The natural world around the tomb appears tranquil yet alive, with soft clouds and distant hints of foliage, reminding us of the connection between humanity and nature. Wright captures a moment of solitude and reflection, allowing us to ponder the weight of history and the timeless pursuit of knowledge. This artwork not only celebrates the beauty of the night but also the profound silence where great thoughts can thrive.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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