Mezzotint by Valentine Green after the painting by Joseph Wright of Derby.
Third state of four, with the final Boydell imprint.
Plate signed: Joseph Wright pinxit; Valentine Green del & fecit.
"From the Original Picture Painted by Mr. Joseph Wright. Published June 24th 1769".
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark at foot of sheet.
Family group in candlelit room gathered around long-haired scientist, demonstrating the creation of a vacuum with a cockatoo in an air pump; figures include two girls being comforted by their father, one watching in evident distress as the other covers her face with her hand; a young couple at left; a seated man at left who looks on as he times the experiment with a pocket watch; another seated man at right who holds a pair of spectacles as he looks down at the table with his hand beneath his chin; and a boy pulling down (or returning) a bird cage beside a window through which a full moon is visible at far right.