"An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump" is a painting by Joseph Wright of Derby created in 1768. The artwork depicts a dramatic scene where a group of people observes a scientist conducting an experiment with a bird inside a glass air pump. The tension arises as the bird's fate hangs in the balance, highlighting the conflict between scientific inquiry and ethical considerations. The painting is notable for its use of chiaroscuro, emphasizing the contrast between light and dark. It reflects the Enlightenment era's fascination with science and discovery, while also prompting viewers to contemplate the moral implications of experimentation on living beings.