Drawing of a landscape, identified as a view in or near Nice. In the foreground, a river runs beneath a simple arched bridge. To the right is a tree, against which a figure leans, with his back to us, looking at the hilly terrain beyond. Inscribed along top left edge of sheet (handwritten in ink): 'Nice 19th Decr. 1773 J.W.' and to top right corner: '133'. Made by Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797), 1773. Grey ink wash on paper. Displayed in cream window mount.

Exhibitions:

  • Title: Paintings by Joseph Wright, A.R.A., commonly called "Wright of Derby", together with some Original Drawings, and a Complete Collection of Prints after his Works
    Venue: Derby Corporation Art Gallery
    Dates: from 16/04/1883 to 16/04/1883
  • Title: Pictures by Joseph Wright of Derby
    Venue: Graves Art Gallery
    Dates: from 17/07/1950 to 27/07/1950
  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby: An Exhibition to Commemorate the Centenary of Derby Museums and Art Gallery
    Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery
    Dates: from 21/04/1979 to 21/07/1979
  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby, 1734-1797: Bicentenary Exhibition
    Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery
    Dates: from 21/06/1997 to 28/09/1997

Publications

  • Title: Joseph Wright of Derby 1734 - 1797
    Sub-Title: An introduction to the work of Joseph Wright of Derby with a catalogue of drawings held by Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Published on the occasion of an exhibition commemorating the Bicentenary of the artist's death.
    Published Place: Derby
    Published Year: 1997

Related People

  • Joseph Wright of Derby (Artist)

    Display Date: British, 1734 - 1797

    Nationality: British

    Biography: Artist.

Study of the Landscape at Nice

Date: 1773

Medium: Grey ink wash on paper.

Object Type:Drawing
Dimensions:Support: 251 × 318 mm (9 7/8 × 12 1/2 in.)
Description:In his letter home to his brother and sister dated 6th December 1773, Wright wrote, 'On Sunday 5th Decr came into port at Nice, amid thousands of spectators of all ranks ... it was on the Jupiters' account this large assembly were gathered together. She being the largest vessel that had sailed into this port, and I fancy I may add the best. We shall stay here a week or ten days and then embark for Genoa'. From this study, drawn in grey ink with grey washes, we see that Wright used his time in Nice to sketch the landscape. The drawing is inscribed 'Nice 19th Decr 1773' and signed 'JW'. It has a composed and finished feel, with the old half-dead tree (and figure leaning against it), framing the view. Perhaps the quality of stillness that Wright captures so effectively in the drawing, was the reason for the delay (as the party had already been there for 13 days) - until the wind blew, they were 'wind-bound' and could not proceed with their sea journey [J. Wallis, 'Joseh Wright of Derby', 1997, p.72]. Compare to views of Nice by John Downman, including 'Near the City of Nice. (A Wide Valley)', 1773, in the Tate collection (T09544). Downman and Wright travelled to Italy together. [LB: 2024]
Inscriptions:Inscribed along top left edge of sheet (handwritten in ink): 'Nice 19th Decr. 1773 J.W.' and to top right corner: '133'.
Provenance:...; with William Bemrose in 1883; by descent to his son, Herbert Cheney Bemrose; donated to Derby Museums by Florence May Lousada, the widow of Herbert Cheney Bemrose, in 1937.
Viewing Status:Contact Us
Item Ref:1937-739/46
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