A Philosopher Shewing an Experiment on the Air Pump 1769

This mezzotint by Valentine Green depicts a scene from Joseph Wright of Derby's 1768 painting, "A Philosopher Giving a Lecture on the Orrery." The scene, set in a dimly lit room, shows a scientist conducting a demonstration with an air pump for an enthralled audience. Green’s engraving, like the original, is a quintessential example of the “candlelight” genre, known for its dramatic use of chiaroscuro, which creates a sense of wonder and excitement in the viewers.