Arkwright's Cotton Mills by Night 1782

Joseph Wright of Derby's "Arkwright's Cotton Mills by Night" (1782) is a captivating nocturne, a style of painting often focusing on the play of light and shadow in nighttime scenes. The artwork depicts the imposing silhouette of a cotton mill, lit by the glow of the moon and a few distant windows. The painting captures the dramatic impact of the Industrial Revolution on the landscape, emphasizing the growing prominence of manufacturing in England. The dark, brooding sky and the mill's imposing presence create a sense of awe and mystery.