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The painting in question - is it by Wright of Derby? Click on the picture for a closer look

A close-up detail from the painting shows Vesuvius erupting - for an even closer look click on the picture, or the icon

JOSEPH WRIGHT (1734-1797), commonly styled 'Wright of Derby', has been the subject of detailed study by scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Many of his works are in museums and galleries, and the whereabouts of others in private collections are known and recorded. However, not all of his prolific output has been documented, which means that 'lost' Wright paintings can still be discovered from time to time.

Late in 1773 Wright travelled to Italy, and stayed there until 1775. In October and November of 1774 he journeyed to Naples and travelled from there to Sorrento and on along the Amalfi coast. He saw Mount Vesuvius, which overlooks the Bay of Naples, although his visit did not, as is often asserted, coincide with an eruption.

Nevertheless Vesuvius fascinated him, and Wright made it the subject of around 30 paintings and sketches.

One of Wright's trademarks was to depict scenes by moonlight, contrasting the 'light' of the moon with the surrounding darkness through the use of the 'chiaroscuro' (light and shade) technique for which he became known.

Many travellers of note to the Amalfi area in the late 18th century are recorded as having stayed at a convent in Amalfi founded in 1222. The convent is now a luxury hotel called the 'Luna Convento'.

In the lounge bar adjoining the hotel's dining room hangs a substantial painting in a gilt frame. It depicts Vesuvius in eruption by moonlight, with dramatic 'light and dark' contrasts. The artist was evidently extremely accomplished. The painting is strikingly similar to others by Joseph Wright, and displays all the hallmarks of the artist. No signature is visible, although this may be 'concealed' in the extremely dark foreground to the picture.

It is quite a large canvas - at a quick glance estimate it appears to be almost 6 feet wide by 5 feet or so in height, although maybe on reflection a little smaller, perhaps closer to 5 feet by 4 feet.

So here is the question. Is this a previously unrecorded painting by Joseph Wright, executed during his visist to the Naples area in 1774? Could he have presented it to the convent? Or perhaps the painting was acquired by the convent or the Hotel Luna Convento at a later date.

Stylistically, historically, and geographically, it seems quite feasible that this painting is by Joseph Wright.

You and Yesterday therefore call upon any Wright scholars or other experts to assess the work. Please leave any comments or observations by clicking on the 'discussion' link or add them directly into the article here by clicking 'edit'.

Please note that the bright white colouration on the pictures here is a flashbulb reflection.

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