Virgil’s Tomb by Moonlight, with Silius Italicus 

Joseph Wright of Derby painted "Virgil’s Tomb by Moonlight, with Silius Italicus" sometime in the second half of the 18th century. Wright’s work emerges during the Enlightenment, a period marked by an emphasis on reason and classical ideals. Here, Wright imagines Silius Italicus, a Roman consul and epic poet, visiting the tomb of Virgil. These tombs were popular destinations for those on the Grand Tour. They evoke a sense of reverence for the past and the cultural achievements of antiquity. The painting emphasizes the aesthetic and emotional experience of contemplating history. The moonlit setting adds to the scene’s romantic atmosphere, highlighting the sublime power of nature. Wright was interested in the effects of light, which you can see in the way the moonlight filters through the clouds and illuminates the tomb. The solitary figure emphasizes themes of reflection, memory, and the enduring legacy of artistic achievement. Wright’s painting thus encapsulates the Enlightenment’s fascination with the classical world, filtered through a lens of personal and emotional experience.