A Philosopher giving that Lecture on the Orrery, in which a lamp is put in place of the Sun Joseph Wright, 1766

One of Wright’s best known and most discussed paintings, it shows a lecturer using a mechanical model of the solar system to demonstrate the orbits of the planets and their moons around the sun. To represent the sun a lamp has been placed at the centre of the orrey, which provides the main source of light in the painting. It illuminates the faces of a mixed group absorbed in the spectacle before them, and the lecture given by the red-coated natural philosopher at the apex of the image.
The scene is often argued to embody the spirit of the Enlightenment project by showing the power of reason to ‘emancipate human consciousness from an immature state of ignorance and error’ (Emmanuel Kant). The heliocentric solar system represented by the orrery no longer allows humankind to think of itself occupying the centre of the universe, as western religion had previously taught.

Cybele, Jupiter & Mars, Derby China Works and William Duesbury & Co c1753 - 60

The Greeks and Romans named the visible planets of the solar system after their gods. Cybele, the Great Mother, represented Earth whilst the largest planet in the solar system was named after Jupiter, king of the gods. The red planet was called Mars after the god of war.
The figure of Mars, represented as a Roman centurion wearing crested helmet, cloak and chain armour, is copied after a Meissen prototype. Jupiter in the centre is about to hurl a thunderbolt, whilst Cybele gently gestures with her outstretched hand.

Augmentation

Only the children and young people remain as the gods return, replacing the rationalism of the orrery with the irrational fears and violent apparitions of the night.
The Enlightenment belief in progress, empiricism, rationalism and scientific rigor, is presently the subject of criticism from within a diverse range of disciplines including postmodernist philosophy, feminist and cultural theory, psychoanalysis, theology and history. Far from being in retreat, religion is resurgent as systems of logical thought seem unable to provide adequate solutions to pressing global problems.