"The Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ‘Round the World" Roll 2, Section 17/44

[ The Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ‘Round the World is viewed from right to left ]

Without actually witnessing it themselves, Purrington and Russell nonetheless recorded the spectacular eruption of the volcano at Fogo, Cape Verde in 1847. Fogo, or the “mountain of fire” was described in published books of sailing directions as “burning continuously,” hence its name. Eruptions were sporadic, however, and the artists may have heard about the event from other returning mariners.

Rain or ash from the volcano falls from the sky over shipping in the waters between Fogo and Brava, Cape Verde Islands.