What is the title of the painting?
Q: What is the title of the painting?
A: The full title of the painting is A Philosopher giving that Lecture on the Orrery in which a lamp is put in place of the Sun.
Q: Who painted it?
A: The painting was created by Joseph Wright of Derby.
Q: What does the painting depict?
A: The painting shows a teacher talking about the sun and planets to his class.
Q: How did Wright use lighting to make his painting dramatic?
A: Wright used a single candle to create shadows that mimic the sun, as part of an expression of heliocentrism.
Q: Who purchased this artwork for £210?
A: Washington Shirley, 5th Earl Ferrers, an amateur astronomer, purchased this artwork for £210.
Q: Where is this artwork held now?
A: This artwork is held by Derby Museum and Art Gallery as its permanent display.
Q: Is there any speculation as to who modeled for the teacher figure in this painting?
A: Some people say that John Whitehurst was the model for the teacher while others say it resembles "a painting of Isaac Newton by Godfrey Kneller".
