An atmospheric view of Vesuvius erupting

GALIANI.

Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1769.
London: Dr Robert John Thornton, 1808, Aquatint. 470 x 610mm.

Trimmed within plate at top and bottom, stained along bottom edge.

A night view of the eruption of Vesuvio from the south, with Naples on the left. Underneath is an eigh-point key.
The plate was aquatinted by Thomas Sutherland with the attribution 'Marchese Galiani Pinx.t'. This is often assumed to be Ferdinando Galiani (1728-1787) an important figure of the Italian Enlightenment, who had written a study of volcanos, although he was an abbot rather than a marquis. The publisher is best known for his series of superb flower prints, 'Thornton's Temple of Flora'.


Stock ID : 23734