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The Eruption of Vesuvius
Historical Context
Pierre-Jacques Volaire, a pupil of Joseph Vernet, became the leading painter of Vesuvius eruptions in the late eighteenth century, capitalizing on the volcano's spectacular activity during the 1770s. This 1771 painting captures one of the dramatic eruptions witnessed by Grand Tour travelers, whose appetite for volcanic sublime made Volaire enormously successful in Naples. He painted dozens of versions for eager collectors.
Technical Analysis
The oil on canvas masterfully contrasts the fiery red and orange of the eruption against the cool blue moonlit sea and sky. Volaire's handling of the incandescent lava flow and reflected light on water demonstrates sophisticated command of nocturnal illumination.
Provenance
London art market [according to 1981 letter from Ingvar Bergström in curatorial file]. Gunnar Trägårdh, Gothenburg, Sweden [according to Bergström letter cited above]. Sold by Trägårdh to Dr. Sven Langert, Gothenburg, Sweden, in the 1930s; sold by his wife, Majken Langert, Christie’s, London, 26 November 1971, no. 85, to Ray Perman acting on behalf of Cyril Humphris and Herner Wengraf, London [according to Bergström letter cited above]. Sold Sotheby’s, London, 19 April 1978, no. 156 (ill.), to P. and D. Colnaghi and Co., London [letter from Magdalen Elwes, Colnaghi, 7 September 1983, in curatorial file]; sold by Colnaghi to Richard L. Feigen and Co., New York, 1978 [letter from Elaine Banks, Feigen, 6 October 1983, in curatorial file]; sold to the Art Institute, 1978.
