Eruption of Vesuvius, August 8, 1779 1779

This 1779 etching by Louis Boily, titled "Eruption of Vesuvius, August 8, 1779," depicts a dramatic scene of the iconic volcano erupting. The artwork, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures the fiery spectacle of the eruption with detailed lines and shading, highlighting the cascading ash, sparks, and lightning that illuminate the night sky. Three figures observing the event from a distance add a human element, emphasizing the awe-inspiring power of nature. The print provides a glimpse into the historical event and the fascination with natural disasters that marked the 18th century.