Voyage Pittoresque ou Description des Royaumes de Naples et de Sicile (Picturesque
Journey or Description of the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily) [vol. 1]

1781

Jean Claude Richard de Saint-Non (author)

Associated Names
Jean-Claude-Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non

Artist/author, French, 1727 - 1791

Various Artists

Artist

Louis-Jean Desprez

Artist After, French, 1743 - 1804

Claude-Louis Châtelet

Artist After, French, 1749/1750 - 1795

Hubert Robert

Artist After, French, 1733 - 1808

Jean Honoré Fragonard

Artist After, French, 1732 - 1806

Jean Augustin Renard

Artist After

Pierre-Jacques Volaire

Artist After, French, 1729 - before 1802

The image depicts the eruption of Mount Vesuvius from a dramatic viewpoint. The horizon is high in the image, showing the night sky meeting the sea with islands in the distance. The moon is partially obscured by clouds. The brushstrokes are detailed, capturing the ash and smoke billowing from the volcano. The color palette is monochromatic, with varying shades of gray. Several figures are shown observing the scene, adding human presence.

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1993

  • Wiebenson/Baines 1993, no. 148.

2021

  • Hoisington, Rena. Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya. Washington, 2021: 12, fig. 6.

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