Campi Flegrei 1680

This anonymous engraving from 1680 depicts the Campi Flegrei, a volcanic area near Naples, Italy. It's a detailed and dramatic illustration of the region's landscape, featuring a volcanic eruption with plumes of smoke rising from the crater. In the foreground, a group of figures on horseback observe the scene, providing a human scale to the natural spectacle. This artwork offers a glimpse into 17th-century perceptions of volcanic activity and the power of nature. The engraving is an example of the genre of natural history illustration, capturing scientific observations with artistic detail.