Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9091
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Vesuvius erupting
Date
1779
Creator
Antonio Piaggio (Italian) , Clergyman
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (drawing): 200mm
width (drawing): 291mm
width (drawing): 291mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Study of a volcanic cloud with periodic falls of ash. An observation of volcanic activity at Vesuvius, made by the artist on behalf of Sir William Hamilton. The drawing shows ejected material drifting away from the volcano, with cloud promontories and ash falling at the base of each. These features are lettered in ink, A-E. From volume 1 of Piaggio’s notebooks for the period 1779-1781.
Object history
From the diaries of Vesuvius observations by Antonio Piaggio (active 1755-1795).
Periodic written observations and pencil sketches of volcanic activity, kept by Fr. Piaggio, on behalf of Sir William Hamilton, Piaggio was based at the Madonna Pugliano near Resina at the western side of Vesuvius on the Bay of Naples, Italy. With an additional volume dedicated to the major eruption of 1779, (originally volume 1 of the sequence). The volumes have occasional inserted material, including a presentation letter from Sir William Hamilton to Sir Joseph Banks at the Royal Society, 14 June 1801.
Periodic written observations and pencil sketches of volcanic activity, kept by Fr. Piaggio, on behalf of Sir William Hamilton, Piaggio was based at the Madonna Pugliano near Resina at the western side of Vesuvius on the Bay of Naples, Italy. With an additional volume dedicated to the major eruption of 1779, (originally volume 1 of the sequence). The volumes have occasional inserted material, including a presentation letter from Sir William Hamilton to Sir Joseph Banks at the Royal Society, 14 June 1801.
Associated place