The Rev. And Mrs. Thomas Gisborne, Of Yoxhall Lodge, Leicestershire 

This portrait of the Reverend and Mrs. Gisborne was made with oil paints on canvas by Joseph Wright of Derby in the late 18th century. These are traditional materials, but notice the way Wright uses them. He isn't only interested in representing the likeness of this couple. Look closely at the details of the painting. The texture of the tree bark behind them contrasts with the smooth fabric of their clothing, drawing attention to the material world. The reverend's dark suit and Mrs. Gisborne’s patterned shawl speak volumes about the labor and trade that brought these materials to England. The umbrella she holds also embodies manufacturing, commerce, and a certain level of bourgeois comfort. Wright's attention to these details elevates them beyond mere background, infusing the portrait with social and cultural meaning. We are reminded that even a seemingly simple portrait is the product of complex material processes, and this connects directly to the social context in which the artwork was made.