# Self-Portrait in a Fur Cap

**Joseph Wright of Derby** (English, 1734–1797)  
1765/68  
Monochrome pastel (grisaille) on blue-gray laid paper  
42.5 × 29.5 cm (16 3/4 × 11 5/8 in.)

Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago, 1990.141. [The museum's record](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/76295).

## About this work

Joseph Wright of Derby portrays himself in a fur cap, drawn in monochrome pastel on blue-grey paper, with greys and blacks building the face and the soft texture of the fur. Made in the later 1760s, when Wright was in his early thirties and becoming known for his dramatic candlelit scenes of science and industry, the drawing takes up the tradition, inspired by Rembrandt, of the artist portrayed in fanciful dress. The restrained palette concentrates attention on the play of light across the features.

_Written by Ochre Editions._

Joseph Wright of Derby painted this in 1765/68, aged about 31. It is now at the Art Institute of Chicago.

### What you’re looking at

Black, gray pastel portrait of man in a fur hat.

_Description from the Art Institute of Chicago._

### How it was made

- **Pastel.** Sticks of almost pure pigment with very little binder. The colour sits on the paper as powder: bright, matte and fragile.
- **Laid paper.** Handmade on a mould of close-set wires, which leave fine parallel lines you can see when the sheet is held to the light.

### [Joseph Wright of Derby](https://www.ochreeditions.com/artists/joseph-wright-of-derby)

English, 1734–1797; born in Derby; died in Derby

Wright spent most of his career in his native Derby, painting portraits of Midlands gentry and industrialists. He is best known for candlelit scenes of science and industry, such as An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump and A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery, which reflect the curiosity of friends in the circle of the Lunar Society. After two years in Italy he added erupting volcanoes, moonlit landscapes and fireworks to his repertoire.

_Written by Ochre Editions._

## Facts

- Type: Drawing and Watercolor
- Culture: England
- The artist was about 31
- Real size: about 17 × 11 in (42 × 29 cm). The 12 × 16 in print is close to life size.
- Century: 18th century
- Subjects: self-portraits, fashion, faces, men, headwear
- Colour: black
- Rights: public domain (CC0 1.0); free to use for any purpose.

## Get it

- Free download, full resolution: https://img.ochreeditions.com/m/193.jpg?dl=1
- Image: https://img.ochreeditions.com/a/193/1920.jpg
- Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Photo Rag: 8 × 10 in $28; 11 × 14 in $38; 12 × 16 in $42; 16 × 20 in $56; 18 × 24 in $68; 20 × 30 in $86; 24 × 36 in $108; 30 × 40 in $148
- Framed reproduction: 8 × 10 in $78; 11 × 14 in $98; 12 × 16 in $108; 16 × 20 in $138; 18 × 24 in $164; 20 × 30 in $208; 24 × 36 in $258; 30 × 40 in $338
- Canvas reproduction: 8 × 10 in $58; 11 × 14 in $72; 12 × 16 in $79; 16 × 20 in $98; 18 × 24 in $118; 20 × 30 in $148; 24 × 36 in $178; 30 × 40 in $228
- Print-ready file: 8 × 10 in $2; 11 × 14 in $2; 12 × 16 in $3; 16 × 20 in $3; 18 × 24 in $3; 20 × 30 in $5; 24 × 36 in $5; 30 × 40 in $5

Sizes stop where the museum's file would print below 150 pixels per inch. Everything sold is a reproduction, made to order. [Order a print](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/self-portrait-in-a-fur-cap-aic-76295).