Rights Managed > Historic England > Fine Art > Down House paintings
Erasmus Darwin J970185
Filename: J970185.jpg
Size: 3790 x 4610 (22.5MB)
Date: 7th April 2008
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Source: English Heritage Images
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Erasmus Darwin J970185
DOWN HOUSE, Kent. " Erasmus Darwin ", grandfather of Charles Darwin by WRIGHT OF DERBY, Joseph (1734-97)
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 776063
© Historic England
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Erasmus Darwin at Down House, Kent: A Portrait of the Grandfather of Charles Darwin" This evocative portrait captures Erasmus Darwin, the esteemed Lunar Man and grandfather of the renowned naturalist, Charles Darwin, in front of his beloved country estate, Down House, located in Kent, England. The portrait, painted by Joseph Wright of Derby in 1797, offers a glimpse into the life of a man who was not only a poet, physician, and inventor but also a significant influence on his famous grandson's development. Erasmus Darwin's innovative ideas and wide-ranging interests extended from poetry and botany to natural philosophy and medicine. His most famous work, "The Temple of Nature; or, The Origin and Progress of Society," published in 1791, showcased his belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural world. This work, which predated Charles Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection, was a significant influence on his grandson's thinking. In this portrait, Erasmus Darwin is depicted in a thoughtful and introspective pose, perhaps reflecting on his life's work and the legacy he would leave behind. The backdrop of Down House, with its picturesque gardens and serene landscape, underscores the connection between the man and his environment. The estate, which served as a retreat for the Darwins, provided ample opportunities for Erasmus and Charles to explore the natural world and develop their groundbreaking ideas. This portrait, captured by Historic England Photo Library, offers a unique window into the life of a man whose influence on the scientific world continues to be felt more than two centuries after his death. The connection between Erasmus Darwin, Down House, and the natural world is a testament to the enduring impact of their shared curiosity and intellectual pursuits.
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