John Michael Wright

John Michael WRIGHT 1617-94

Biographical Note

Born in London, son of James Wright, tailor. He was apprenticed to the Edinburgh painter George Jamesonein 1636; in 1642 he went to Rome, where he lived for the following decade or so, developing his skills as a painter. He returned to London in 1656 and thereafter became a successful and widely-commissioned artist, appointed picture drawer in ordinary to Charles II in 1673. As a Roman Catholic, he enjoyed particular favour under James II, but his fortunes declined after 1688.

Books

Wright acquired many books during his years in Rome, as well as prints, drawings and paintings. In his will, he left his pictures, drawings, prints and books to his nephew Michael Wright, adding a codicil directing that the books be sold for the benefit of his son Thomas. His library, including prints and antiquities, was auctioned in London, 4.6.1694. The sale catalogue contains 185 lots, plus 198 prints, and rings/seals; the books are subdivided only by format, not by subject or language.

Sources

• Thomson, Duncan. "Wright, John Michael (bap. 1617, d. 1694), painter." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
• Alston, R. C. Inventory of sale catalogues 1676-1800. St Philip, 2010.
• Bibliotheca Wrightiana, [London, 1694], ESTC r186888.