Sketchbook: Souvenir of Naples 1821 - 1875

This anonymous watercolor sketch from an 1821-1875 sketchbook depicts the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy. The scene is a dramatic, yet picturesque, portrayal of the volcano's fiery activity, with plumes of smoke and glowing lava illuminating the night sky. The inclusion of small sailing boats in the foreground adds a sense of scale and underscores the powerful forces of nature at play. This sketch captures a significant moment in Naples' history, and exemplifies the popularity of travel sketchbooks for capturing the wonders of the natural world.