Saint Januarius Saving Naples from an Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Verso: Small sketch of similar scene. 1724

Anton Domenico Gabbiani sketched this image of Saint Januarius Saving Naples from an Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius with pen and brown ink around the year 1724. The sketch depicts the patron saint of Naples hovering above the city, stopping the volcanic eruption with a divine light. This drawing reflects the deeply rooted religious beliefs and the ever-present threat of natural disasters in 18th-century Naples. Vesuvius looms large, not just geographically, but also in the collective psyche of the city. The figure of Januarius, the city's protector, becomes central to Neapolitan identity, representing hope and divine intervention. The Catholic Church was a dominant institution, wielding considerable influence over social life. By portraying Januarius, Gabbiani taps into a powerful symbol of faith and civic pride. To fully understand this sketch, we might delve into historical records of volcanic activity, religious pamphlets, and accounts of civic rituals. We could study the visual language of Baroque art and the social function of religious imagery. Only through historical inquiry can we understand the full significance of this drawing and the role of art in Neapolitan society.