Dio mio!

The eruption of Vesuvius in 1771 left a lasting impression on French painter Pierre-Jacques Volaire. So much so that he painted the scene thirty times!

Run away

These citizens of 18th-century Naples can be seen fleeing the lava flow and ash, salvaging what they can in the confusion. Vesuvius's last eruption was in 1944.

A painting of two halves

Volaire depicts nature's contrasting moods: the serene, moonlit bay beside the fiery terror of the volcano.

A molten river

Vesuvius was a popular subject for Romantic artists – the volcano embodied nature's dramatic moods and unpredictable power.

"Save us!"

A man holds up a picture towards the erupting volcano – most likely an image of St. Janarius, the protector of Naples.