Vesuvausbruch von 1771 (The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1771)

1797

Johann Carl Richter, after Pierre-Jacques Volaire

Associated Names
Johann Carl Richter

Artist, German, 1759-after 1832

Pierre-Jacques Volaire

Artist After, French, 1729 - before 1802

The image displays a volcanic eruption, likely Mount Vesuvius, viewed from an elevated vantage point overlooking a rugged landscape. There are silhouetted figures observing the scene from rocky outcroppings surrounded by foliage. Dense plumes of volcanic smoke fill the sky, contrasting with the dark mountain. The painting shows a meticulous technique in brushstrokes and shading to depict depth and texture, portraying movement and chaos in the smoke and lava flows. The color palette is sepia, creating a vintage and intense atmosphere. The image is bordered by decorative leafy motifs.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and aquatint printed in brown, laid down on a mount with a contemporary printed ornamental border on blue paper and collaged title

  • Credit Line

    Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 20 × 30 cm (7 7/8 × 11 13/16 in.)
    mount: 24 × 33.8 cm (9 7/16 × 13 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2020.36.3

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2021

  • Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2021 - 2022.

Bibliography

2021

  • Hoisington, Rena. Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya. Washington, 2021: 17, fig. 7.

Inscriptions

in plate, in image, at lower left: Richter fecit; engraved on label, collaged on border at lower center: Vesuvausbruch von 1771

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