Landschap met vissers en actieve Vesuvius 1762

Noël Le Mire produced this print called *Landschap met vissers en actieve Vesuvius* sometime in the 18th century. The print portrays fishermen in a coastal scene dominated by the erupting Mount Vesuvius. In the 1700s, Mount Vesuvius was not just a geographical feature; it was a cultural symbol, inspiring both awe and anxiety. Here, the volcano looms large, a reminder of nature's power, while daily life continues in the foreground as the fishermen go about their work. This juxtaposition might reflect the broader Enlightenment-era fascination with nature's sublime force. Prints like these had an important social role. Before photography, they were crucial for circulating images, allowing people to see distant places. They also served as conversation pieces and educational tools. These depictions were often commissioned by or dedicated to wealthy patrons, as noted in the inscription. To learn more, you could examine the records of Le Mire's patrons, or compare this work to prints from the period that depict Vesuvius.