Schets van de Solfatara bij Pozzuoli, buiten Napels c. 1611

"Schets van de Solfatara bij Pozzuoli, buiten Napels," is a pencil drawing by Gerard ter Borch (1584-1662), created around 1611. The drawing depicts a scene of the Solfatara, a volcanic crater near Pozzuoli, Italy. The drawing, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, showcases a detailed depiction of the crater's landscape with smoke billowing from its depths. The small figures in the foreground emphasize the vastness of the natural phenomenon and invite the viewer to contemplate the power of nature. This sketch, a testament to Borch's talent for capturing landscape detail, highlights his interest in natural wonders, particularly the dramatic volcanic formations that dotted the Italian countryside.