The Tramp

David Fraser notes how Wright studies of male figures from life are extremely sensitive and sympathetic and reminiscent of peasant figures of seventeenth century paintings by Italian and Dutch artists working in Rome. He notes the affinity between this study and the ‘shepherd type’ figures which appear in nativity scenes and links this to the similar (though older) figure, which appears in Wright’s pre-Italian ‘Blacksmith’s Shop’ (plate 10) 1 1 David Fraser, Wright in Italy, 1987, cat.21, p.10; the tramp

Object Type:	drawing
Medium:	Pen and ink and sepia wash on paper
Dimensions:	Support: 686 × 483 mm (27 × 19 in.)
Visual Description: A drawing of a man, The Tramp, seated on a rock, facing left, leaning on a staff. He is bearded and wears a hat. His clothes appear dishevelled, his knee-breeches are are torn and stained in places and buttons are missing. A cloak, or soft cloth bag, has been thrown over his shoulder. He is wearing shoes and what appear to be gaiters or some sort of leg covering, bound around his lower legs with string. Alternatively, these may be a kind of low shoe that is secured to the foot and ankle by way of long ties. Drawn by Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797), c.1774. Pen, ink and sepia wash on paper. Displayed in a cream window mount.