Temple of Isis
Date
1776
Creator
Pietro Fabris (1738, Italian) , Painter
Object type
Library reference
42888
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (plate): 210mm
width (plate): 385mm
height (page): 320mm
width (page): 452mm
width (plate): 385mm
height (page): 320mm
width (page): 452mm
Subject
Content object
Description
A view of the first discovery of the Temple of Isis, Pompeii. Pillars, altars and walls of the Temple emerge from the surrounding hillside, and figures are depicted excavating the remains. William Hamilton, depicted in a red overcoat, looks on to the scene.
Plate 41 from Campi Phlegraei: observations on the volcanos of the two Sicilies by William Hamilton. The plate is inscribed ‘XXXXI’ in the top left corner.
Written in the associated description: '[the] City was buried by showers of pumice stones and other volcanick matter, during the great eruption of mount Vesuvius in the year 79 of the christian Aera. It was the same eruption that proved fatal to PLINY. This temple and many other Edifices of the ancient City of POMPEII, have been already cleared by order of HIS SICILIAN MAJESTY, and the beautifull Monuments of Antiquity that have been found there, will appear in the sequel of the truly magnificent and Royal publication of the antiquities of HERCULANEUM.'
William Hamilton (1730-1803) British diplomat, archaeologist and volcanologist was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1766 on the merit of his volcanic observations. He received the Copley Medal in 1770 for his 'Account of a Journey to Mount Etna'.
Pietro Fabris (1740-1792) was a British artist who accompanied Hamilton around Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius, and Lipari islands to document volcanic activities.
Plate 41 from Campi Phlegraei: observations on the volcanos of the two Sicilies by William Hamilton. The plate is inscribed ‘XXXXI’ in the top left corner.
Written in the associated description: '[the] City was buried by showers of pumice stones and other volcanick matter, during the great eruption of mount Vesuvius in the year 79 of the christian Aera. It was the same eruption that proved fatal to PLINY. This temple and many other Edifices of the ancient City of POMPEII, have been already cleared by order of HIS SICILIAN MAJESTY, and the beautifull Monuments of Antiquity that have been found there, will appear in the sequel of the truly magnificent and Royal publication of the antiquities of HERCULANEUM.'
William Hamilton (1730-1803) British diplomat, archaeologist and volcanologist was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1766 on the merit of his volcanic observations. He received the Copley Medal in 1770 for his 'Account of a Journey to Mount Etna'.
Pietro Fabris (1740-1792) was a British artist who accompanied Hamilton around Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius, and Lipari islands to document volcanic activities.
Object history
This book of hand-coloured plates represents part II of Campi Phlegraei. It complements part I, which consists of letters only. Both were presented to the then President of the Royal Society, Sir John Pringle (1707-1782).
Associated place