An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump
The artist
Joseph Wright of Derby, an English painter who loved science and the drama of candlelight.
What you see
A traveling scientist shows a family a science experiment at night, using an air pump and a glass globe with a little bird inside.
The story
Painted in 1768, it captures a time when families gathered to watch exciting new science demonstrations for fun and learning.
The style
A single glowing light in the middle lights up every face, a dramatic effect called chiaroscuro.
Look closer
Look at the different faces: some watch with wonder, some look worried about the bird, and the scientist waits at the pump.
Where to see it
You can see it at the National Gallery in London, England, where it is one of the most loved paintings.
Fun fact
The scientist looks straight out at us, as if inviting you, the viewer, to decide how the experiment should end.