Joseph Wright of Derby’s self-portrait in the NGV | Vivien Gaston

Joseph Wright of Derby, Self-portrait (1765-68)

Joseph Wright of Derby, Self-portrait (1765-68). Oil on canvas on canvas, 69.8 x 58 cm (image) 70.2 x 58.7 cm (canvas). National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Gift of Alina Cade in memory of her husband Joseph Wright Cade, 2009.

In late 2009 curator Laurie Benson answered a telephone call informing him of two portraits in a Melbourne home that might be of interest to the National Gallery of Victoria. After undertaking preliminary research, Benson set off for the caller’s home with great curiosity. On arrival he found, hanging above the fireplace in its original frame, a long-lost self-portrait by one of Britain’s greatest artists, Joseph Wright of Derby. Continue reading