Gallery
Pierre-Jacques Volaire (1729-1792)
Eruption of Vesuvius, 1774
An Eruption of Vesuvius by Moonlight is a dramatic depiction of the eruption of 1774. The blue, silver and grey serenity of the Bay of Naples is dramatically contrasted with the sulphurous reds and oranges of the eruption itself. A trail of Grand Tourists can be seen making their way along the path to the edge of the crater aided by Lazzaroni guides and in the distance are the islands of Capri and Ithaca. This piece was painted to hang as a pair with a view of the Solfatara, a volcanic crater near Pozzuoli. Volaire has added the title to the foreground.
Pierre-Jacques Volaire
Volaire's depictions of nocturnal eruptions were the most brilliant of their genre. He was a pupil of Claude-Joseph Vernet and settled in Naples in 1769, remaining there for the rest of his life. Le Chevalier Volaire, as he was known, was a major influence on Joseph Wright of Derby and Philip Harket.
Activities, discussions and questions
» The painting is like a giant picture postcard to show the wonderful places gentlemen visited on the grand tour. It also acts as a story picturing gentlemen climbing Vesuvius to see the eruption. Think about a place you have visited and make a painting showing the place and also the things you did while you were there.
» Volaire used warm and cool colours together in this painting; discuss what warm and cool colours are Try copying the painting but change the colours, does this effect the mood of the painting?
Pierre-Jacques Volaire (1729-1792)
Eruption of Vesuvius, 1774
Material: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 130 cm x 260 cm
Place made: Italy
Accession No: CVCSC.0259.S
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