Eruption of Vesuvius by Moonlight
by VOLAIRE, Pierre-Jacques, Oil on canvas, 105 x 205 cm
During the twenty years he called Naples home, the splendid views of the erupting Vesuvius provided inspiration for Volaire. The present view is a broad panorama, which encompasses a southern coastal view to the west of the mountain. The cold light of the moon, laying a white shroud on the sea below, is contrasted most effectively with the red hot lava ejaculated.