The artwork titled “Firework Display at the Castel Sant’ Angelo in Rome” was created by Joseph Wright in 1779. Executed in oil on canvas, it is a distinguished example of the Romanticism movement and falls under the landscape genre. This remarkable piece is housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork vividly captures the dramatic scenery of a firework display over the Castel Sant’ Angelo in Rome. The night sky is illumined by the bright, awe-inspiring bursts of fireworks, creating a stark contrast between the dark silhouettes of surrounding trees and buildings and the vibrant explosions. The reflection of the pyrotechnic display on the water adds a mesmerizing dimension to the composition. The use of chiaroscuro, demonstrating Wright’s mastery over light and shadow, enhances the depth and realism of the scene, evoking a sense of wonder and sublime beauty typical of the Romantic era. The overall ambiance suggests a celebration of human achievement and nature’s grandeur, characteristic of Wright’s evocative style.
