Two Girls Dressing a Kitten by Joseph Wright of Derby

(c) English Heritage, Kenwood; Supplied by The Public Catalogue Foundation
  • Date: ca. 1768-70
  • Type: Painting
  • Material: Oil on canvas
  • Artist: Joseph Wright of Derby

This picture would have been described in the 18th century as a ‘fancy picture’ – a type of picture between portraiture and works with a historical or literary theme. The picture is one of a number of candlelit studies made by Wright that demonstrate his skill in the use of chiaroscuro.
Apparently an innocent scene of little girls dressing a kitten, the picture has been thought by art historians to have a number of deeper, or even sinister, meanings.

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