Smithsonian American Art Museum
Vesuvius and Pompeii
Robert S. Duncanson, born Fayette, NY 1821-died Detroit, MI 1872 · 1870
Robert S. Duncanson spent a significant amount of time in Italy, and painted several views of Pompeii. Pompeii's dramatic history and the lure of Mount Vesuvius's still violent potential brought many artists to the area in the nineteenth century. This image shows the remains of an amphitheater, with Vesuvius smoking in the background. Duncanson probably painted this scene from memory, placing different ruins together to create a compelling composition.
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