About this objectThis scene of Vesuvius erupting was described by influential art critic John Ruskin as "a glorious thing - all sparkle and whizz." Oddly, Turner painted it about two years before he had actually visited the volcano and it was probably based on drawings by another artist. It was commissioned as a book illustration.
MakerTurner, Joseph Mallord William (1775-1851)
Maker Roledraughtsman & painter
Date Madec.1817
Period19th century
Medium and Materialsmedium: watercolour
support: paper
Style and IconographyLandscape
Techniquewatercolour
Measurementsmedium height: 17.5cm
medium width: 28cm
Subject and Association KeywordsItaly
Subject and Association KeywordsMount Vesuvius, Italy