Cottage on Fire, c. 1786-1787, Joseph Wright of Derby, British, 1734-1797, 22 7/8 x 30 in. (58.1 x 76.2 cm) (canvas), Oil on canvas, England, 18th century, This nocturnal scene features dramatic contrasts: the hot red light of the fire versus the cool white moonlight, the cottage abruptly consumed by flames as opposed to the slowly decaying castle. Unusual light effects fascinated Joseph Wright, who knew several prominent English scientists investigating the nature of light and vision. After a trip to Italy in 1773-75, where he witnessed a violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius and a spectacular fireworks display at the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Wright made sensational lighting effects the keynote of many of his landscapes.