On October 22^nd, 1822, Vesuvius erupted just like when it had destroyed the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79. The eruption was of an effusive-explosive type, meaning that while an imposing column of smoke rose from the crater of the volcano, lava flows descended along its slopes towards the towns of Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata and the village of Boscotrecase.

This is exactly the scene told in the painting being presented here. The work is constructed in such a way that our attention is focused on the elaboration of contrasts, where the randomly exploding embers, boiling lava and black clouds in the sky are contrasted with the spectators represented at the bottom of the image. At the bottom right, a group of five figures, including a child, are gazing in awe at this dramatic show in the Neapolitan night. They are contemplating the scene from the shoreline with fear and respect but also with some equanimity.

On the sea are many reflections and plays of light, not only of the eruption, which is mirrored in the waters of the bay, but also a very bright and romantic full moon which illuminates the sky with warm tones on the right of the canvas. The eruption of 1822 was of enormous substance from an artistic point of view and, above all, from a scientific point of view. During the long period of volcanic activity, many artists were able to capture this terrifying yet fascinating spectacle in their paintings. Seen from the other side of the Gulf, Vesuvius is surrounded by thunderbolts, smoke and flames mirrored in the sea; an unparalleled image which has fortunately been handed down to us.