Wright ~ Vesuvius in Eruption

Wright painted Mount Vesuvius at least thirty times during his lengthy travels in Italy. He is known for his use of chiaroscuro , that is, the strong contrast  between light and dark, which gives the painting a more three-dimensional feel. This sketch, however, does not exhibit the fine details of his other paintings. Here he chose to veer more towards the impressionist style, using both cool and warm pastels.

From The Eruption Of Vesuvius

Victor Hugo

Sudden a flash, and from th' enormous den

Th' eruption's lurid mass bursts forth amain,

Bounding in frantic ecstasy. Ah! then

Farewell to Grecian fount and Tuscan fane!

Sails in the bay imbibe the purpling stain,

The while the lava in profusion wide

Flings o'er the mountain's neck its showery locks untied.