Meaning in Philosopher Giving Lecture on Orrery

Painting by 18th-Century Artist Joseph Wright of Derby

Oct 31, 2009

This artwork shows science and search for knowledge symbolized by an orrery - a machine that demonstrates the orbits of the planets around the sun - before an audience.

In the large-scale painting “A Philosoper Giving a Lecture on the Orrery,” English artist John Wright (1734-1797) of Derby depicts an unusual artistic theme: the search for and dissemination of knowledge.

Description of the Painting

The philosopher, wearing a red jacket, stands before a small crowd who are listening to his speech. Books can be seen on a shelf to the right. The entire scene is shrouded in darkness and the group is evidently gathered in a library.

Among the audience are a woman, off to the left, and several children in the foreground. In particular, two boys are prominently and brightly illuminated as they gaze in fascination at the lecturer’s machine and its curved metal spokes. The boys are bathed in light reminiscent of the lighting techniques of Caravaggio and Georges de la Tour that highly contrasts the black background with this single source of light.

The Meaning of the Orrery

According to author R. Hagen, lectures of this sort were common in the 18th century – during the time of the Enlightenment – in English towns like the artist’s hometown of Derby. The meetings were organized by the Lunar Society and were held each month on a Monday close to the full moon. They were supported by scientists and inventors in order to fill the ongoing demand for education.

The orrery, a metal clockwork model of the solar system, was important as a symbol for the latest in technology. Building such a model would require both the practical skills of an engineer and the imaginative abilities of an inventor or scientific thinker. The machines were highly valued during the Enlightenment, although their value or reason for fascination are hard to imagine in our highly technological world of today.

The Meaning of the Lecture

An institution like the Lunar Society helped spread scientific knowledge through its lectures like the one depicted here. The aim of the lectures was to show the laws of nature, for example the paths of the planets around the sun, as overseen by the invisible hand of God.

People throughout Europe at this time were fascinated with Newton’s theory of gravitation that could be explained through mathematical formulas. They also were fascinated with, even outraged by, his claim that the orbits of the planets and comets were affected by mathematical calculations.

They could not fathom his claim that universal laws – like gravity – were responsible for the movements of the solar system. They wondered how God was involved in nature’s actions if such rhythms could be explained by math. To them, Newton’s discoveries seemed to dispute the idea of God as the creator of nature, of heaven, of earth, although Newton himself did not question the role of God.

The Lecturer

The lecturer stands high over the other figures attending his demonstration. His stance seems to symbolize the voice of mathematics, reason and education towering over an audience that is unknowing yet eager for new information. He is a symbol of the debates of the time over the roles of religion and science.

“A Philosopher Giving a Lecture on the Orrery” (c. 1764-1766), is today in the Art Gallery at Derby in Derbyshire, England.

The copyright of the article Meaning in Philosopher Giving Lecture on Orrery in 18th Century Art is owned by Suzanne Hill. Permission to republish Meaning in Philosopher Giving Lecture on Orrery in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.