The Influence of Pompeii in Art on History

Initial Fascination with Vesuvius’ Eruptions

The Eruption that Started an Artistic Revolution

The 1631 eruption of Vesuvius marked the beginning of a period of increased volcanic activity that captured the attention of artists and writers alike. This eruption, one of the most significant since AD 79, saw rivers of lava flowing down the slopes and ash clouds darkening the skies. Artists were drawn to this sublime spectacle, eager to capture the raw power and beauty of the volcano.

Early Artists and Their Dramatic Canvases

Artists like Salvator Rosa and Domenico Gargiulo were among the first to depict Vesuvius’ fury. Their works, characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and dark, set the stage for future representations. These early depictions focused on the enormity of the natural disaster, often portraying tiny human figures dwarfed by the colossal volcano.

Vesuvius and the Bourbon Dynasty

The rise of the Bourbon dynasty in Naples in 1737 coincided with frequent eruptions of Vesuvius. The Bourbons, keen to promote their rule, commissioned artists to document these events. This period saw a surge in artistic and scientific interest in the volcano, laying the groundwork for a cultural fascination that endures to this day.

Pierre-Jacques Volaire and the Sublime

Pierre-Jacques Onésyme Bergeret de Grancourt (1715–85), one of France’s wealthiest art patrons, significantly influenced the career of Pierre-Jacques Volaire (1729–99). De Grancourt commissioned Volaire to paint a moonlit eruption for his country residence, the Château de Nègrepelisse in southern France.

Volaire, who had moved to Naples in 1767, created his work based on direct observations of Mount Vesuvius. On April 23, 1774, he accompanied de Grancourt to the crater’s edge during an active eruption. De Grancourt was thrilled by Volaire’s ability to capture the terrifying spectacle, which aligned with the era’s fascination with the ‘sublime.’

Volaire’s paintings of Vesuvius are among the earliest artworks to reflect this obsession. His works intensely focus on natural phenomena, portraying tiny human figures dwarfed by the colossal volcano.

These figures, dressed in either ancient or modern attire, serve merely as marginal observers to the magnificent and terrifying scenes before them. Volaire’s commitment to the sublime aesthetic set a precedent that influenced many artists of the period.

His depictions of Vesuvius were pivotal in the movement towards capturing natural events with dramatic intensity. Volaire’s detailed and emotive canvases often juxtaposed fiery, violent eruptions against serene moonlit skies, highlighting both the beauty and danger inherent in nature’s power.

His contributions were crucial in shaping artistic and scientific perspectives on volcanic phenomena during his time.

Additionally, historical references such as the death of Pliny the Elder in works like Jacob More’s “Mount Vesuvius in Eruption” (1780) and Pierre Henri de Valenciennes’ “The Eruption of Vesuvius, August 24 79 A.D.” (1813) further solidified Volaire’s influence on the artistic representation of volcanic eruptions.

Joseph Wright of Derby’s Volcanic Canvases

Joseph Wright of Derby recognized the lucrative potential of volcanic scenes and responded by creating at least twenty-seven such canvases following his brief stay in Naples from October 2 to November 11, 1774.

Despite not witnessing a significant eruption during his visit, Wright climbed Mount Vesuvius during periods of eruptive activity, possibly with the accompaniment of Sir William Hamilton. He made sketches on-site, which served as inspiration for his paintings. His works, however, were not meant to be documentary records of specific events.

This is evident in his painting, created around 1776-80, which artistically incorporates the islands of Ischia and Procida—elements that wouldn’t be visible from his vantage point but served to contrast the volcano’s fury with the sea’s calm. Wright’s focus was on capturing nature’s dramatic violence rather than the human cost of eruptions.

This emphasis extended to his other works depicting fireworks displays at the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome around the same period, showcasing his fascination with both natural and man-made pyrotechnics. One notable pair of these contrasting canvases was purchased by Catherine II of Russia for 500 guineas, highlighting the high regard and substantial value attributed to his work.

Sir William Hamilton’s Contributions

Sir William Hamilton, the British ambassador to Naples from 1764 to 1800, passionately observed Vesuvius. His detailed observations and writings on the volcano provided valuable scientific insights and inspired artists and scientists. Hamilton was a major proponent of the contemporary fascination with geology and scientific interest in Vesuvius.

He climbed the volcano dozens of times, assembled a geological collection, and sent an eyewitness account of the 1767 eruption to the Royal Society in 1768. Hamilton’s publications, including Observations on Mount Vesuvius, Mount Etna, and Other Volcanos (1772) and Campi Phlegraei (1776), combined scientific accuracy with artistic representation.

The lavish illustrations by Pietro Fabris captured the dynamic nature of volcanic activity, bridging the gap between science and art. The Campi Phlegraei is notable for its scientifically accurate hand-colored engravings.

This spirit of inquiry is also evident in a landscape by court painter Jakob Philipp Hackert (c. 1774–5), depicting individuals observing a lava flow realistically, unlike the dramatic ‘sublime’ views of other artists. Hamilton’s contributions to volcanology were significant, laying a foundation for future research.

His blend of scientific observation and artistic representation influenced how volcanic phenomena were perceived and documented, leaving a lasting legacy in both fields. His detailed notes and publications, enriched with accurate illustrations, remain a testament to his dedication to merging scientific precision with artistic creativity.

Pompeii in Art: Shift from Sublime to Human Tragedy

Changing Artistic Focus

By the 19th century, the focus of Pompeii in art began to shift from the sublime power of nature to the human tragedies associated with eruptions. Artists started to depict the personal and communal impacts of volcanic disasters, bringing a new depth of empathy and emotion to their works.

The Influence of Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum played a crucial role in this shift. The excavation of these ancient cities revealed the human stories behind the catastrophic eruption of AD 79, inspiring artists to explore the human dimension of volcanic events.

The Rise of Human-Centered Art

This new approach to Pompeii in art emphasized the human experience, highlighting the resilience and vulnerability of those affected by eruptions. By focusing on individual and collective suffering, artists brought a more personal and relatable perspective to their works.

Joseph Franque’s Human Focus

Depicting the Tragedy of Pompeii

Joseph Franque’s 1826 painting, depicting the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, is an early example of human-centered Pompeii in art. Inspired by archaeological evidence, Franque’s work emphasized the human cost of the disaster, portraying figures struggling to escape the chaos.

A Mother’s Desperate Struggle

One of the most poignant elements of Franque’s painting is the depiction of a mother and her children caught in the eruption. This focus on individual suffering drew attention to the personal stories behind the historical event, making the tragedy of Pompeii more relatable and impactful.

The Legacy of Franque’s Human-Centered Approach

Franque’s human-centered approach to Pompeii in art influenced future artists and helped shift the focus from the sublime to the personal. His work paved the way for more empathetic and emotionally resonant portrayals of volcanic disasters.

Karl Briullov’s The Last Day of Pompeii

The Monumental Painting

Karl Briullov’s The Last Day of Pompeii (1833) is one of the most famous and influential volcanic paintings of the 19th century. This monumental work, which includes twenty-seven figures, captured the chaos and emotion of the eruption, highlighting the human drama of the disaster.

Capturing Human Emotion and Chaos

Briullov’s painting is renowned for its detailed portrayal of human emotions, from fear and despair to courage and determination. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail and dramatic composition convey the sense of urgency and chaos that marked Pompeii’s final moments.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Last Day of Pompeii was celebrated across Europe, raising the status of Russian art and inspiring other artists and writers. Briullov’s work played a crucial role in popularizing the story of Pompeii and shifting public perception towards the human stories behind the ancient city’s destruction.

Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s The Last Days of Pompeii

The Enduring Impact of a Novel

Published in 1834, Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s The Last Days of Pompeii played a crucial role in bringing the ancient city into the public eye. Inspired by his visit to Pompeii and Briullov’s painting, Bulwer-Lytton’s novel vividly depicted the final days of Pompeii through the lives of fictional characters.

Merging History with Drama

Bulwer-Lytton masterfully combined historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling, captivating readers’ imaginations. His rich descriptions and dynamic characters breathed life into Pompeii, heightening public interest in the ancient city.

Influence on Tourism and Culture

The Last Days of Pompeii transcended literature, inspiring stage adaptations, artworks, and even sculptures. Bulwer-Lytton’s work helped to make Pompeii a household name, drawing tourists and scholars alike. Throughout the 19th century, the novel’s impact shaped how people experienced and remembered Pompeii.

Fictional Characters in Historical Context

By weaving fictional characters into the historical setting of Pompeii, Bulwer-Lytton created a seamless blend of fact and fiction. This technique allowed readers to connect personally with the ancient city, imagining the lives and experiences of its inhabitants during the catastrophic eruption.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

The interplay between fiction and history in Bulwer-Lytton’s novel transformed how visitors perceived Pompeii. Tourists sought out locations mentioned in the book, viewing the ruins through the lens of the novel’s characters and events. This enriched their engagement with the site and deepened their appreciation for its history.

The Power of Storytelling

Bulwer-Lytton’s novel exemplified the transformative power of storytelling in shaping public perception and engagement with historical sites. By merging fiction with reality, he brought Pompeii to life, making its story more accessible and compelling to a broader audience.

Conclusion

Artistic and literary depictions of Vesuvius’ eruptions and Pompeii’s destruction have created a lasting legacy. Pompeii in Art has immortalized the ancient city, making it a symbol of human endurance and nature’s power. These works continue to captivate and inspire people worldwide. If interested in art, history, and natural phenomena, visiting Pompeii is highly recommended.