Vesuvius and Pompeii

Media - 1983.95.177 - SAAM-1983.95.177_2 - 135152
Copied Robert S. Duncanson, Vesuvius and Pompeii, 1870, oil on canvas, 10 x 15 5⁄8 in. (25.4 x 39.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Joseph Agostinelli, 1983.95.177
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Artwork Details

Title
Vesuvius and Pompeii
Artist
Date
1870
Location
Dimensions
10 x 15 5⁄8 in. (25.4 x 39.7 cm.)
Markings
lower right in oil: Duncanson/1870 frame verso upper right in felt-tipped pen and ink: J.A. frame verso lower left in felt-tipped pen and ink: Remains of the theatre/at Pompeii, Italy/by R.S. Duncanson frame verso center left in felt-tipped pen an ink: J.A.
Credit Line
Gift of Joseph Agostinelli
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Highlights
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Exterior
  • Architecture — ruins
  • Landscape — phenomenon — volcano
  • Cityscape — Italy — Pompeii
  • Landscape — mountain — Mount Vesuvius
  • Object — art object — painting
  • Architecture Exterior — classical
Object Number
1983.95.177
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1983.95.177

Artwork Description

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.