Abstract:
In 1785, Joseph Wright of Derby held a private exhibition in which he showed
The Lady in Milton's Comus along with three other paintings of virtuous women. This
painting not only embodies the spirit and style of Wright's oeuvre but also reflects the
variety of influences upon his art and demonstrates his interest in literary subjects. It
provides a window into both the career of Wright and the sentimental mindset of his late
eighteenth century audience. This thesis will situate Wright's painting within the context
of the many literary and artistic ideas in circulation during this period. The influence of
the gothic, the sublime, moral philosophy, and sensibility on Wright's painting will be
evaluated in addition to exploring the work as a literary subject.