Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9098
Looking for a special gift? Buy a print of this image.
Vesuvius erupting
Date
1791
Creator
Antonio Piaggio (Italian) , Clergyman
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (drawing): 203mm
width (drawing): 145mm
width (drawing): 145mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Study of a lava flow on the slopes of Vesuvius during an eruption, with the volcano generating a high plume of smoke and ash. The colour and direction of flow are highlighted with coloured chalk and ink. Faintly inscribed in pencil, top left. An observation of volcanic activity at Mount Vesuvius near the Bay of Naples, Italy, made by the artist on behalf of Sir William Hamilton. From volume 5 of Piaggio’s notebooks for the period 1787-1792, within a section commencing “Lava dell’ anno 1791”.
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