An Eruption of Vesuvius, seen from Portici 1776

Joseph Wright of Derby's dramatic painting "An Eruption of Vesuvius, seen from Portici" depicts the 1776 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The artist, known for his dramatic use of light, captures the awe-inspiring power of the volcano. The painting's vivid depiction of the fiery eruption and the terrified inhabitants of Portici provides a glimpse into the 18th-century fascination with natural disasters and the sublime. The work is a testament to Wright's skill in capturing the power and beauty of the natural world.