In quiet awe: An experiment on a bird

This is supposedly the painting that initiated modern art, according to this BBC article.
A painting depicting a scientist demonstrating how a bird can be suffocated due to a lack of oxygen.

An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768)

Painted by English artist Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797), you’re invited to witness an experiment taking place in someones home. The atmosphere is immensely thick, exciting, curious and somewhat forbidden. You know you shouldn’t be there, but your interest in science, especially during the 1800’s, takes over and you just have to see what all the fuss is about.

You can sense the commotion. The suspense. The spectators excitement and apprehension. Inquisitiveness and concern. You can even imagine the faint sound of the bird, a white cockatoo, and the floorboards creaking from all the movements being made.

Everything ties together beautifully from the details to the previously mentioned atmosphere and the versatility in the subjects facial expressions and overall physique down to the chosen colours for the painting. And the full moon seen through the window is so bewitching and makes this piece of beauty even more eerie and enchanting.

There is not much I can say to give this painting any form of justice except for my own opinion on it, but I would have no issues with owning a copy of it and proudly displaying it in my home.

If you wish to learn more:
An enlightened experiment | Joseph Wright ’of Derby’ | National Gallery (video, 28min 04sek)
Inspiraggio – An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (video, 9min 12sek)

Other paintings I’ve written about:
Las Meninas
A murder
Les Saltimbanques
Hugues Merle
Piazza San Marco