Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Bulwer Lytton's novel was only one manifestation of an
upsurge in artistic interest in the subject, which developed as a
direct result of the activities of Vesuvius in the 1820s. For paint-
ing it climaxed in the monumental canvas, four and a half by
six and a half metres (15 x 25 feet), by the Russian artist Karl
Briullov (1799-1852). Painted from sketches made at Pompeii
in 1828, Briullov's
Last Day of Pompeii
(note, like Pacini's title,
the singular 'day'), was exhibited in Rome and Florence in 1833
where Bulwer Lytton saw it, and then in the Louvre, before being
hung in the Imperial Academy of Arts in St Petersburg. It is now
in the State Russian Museum, St Petersburg. The huge painting
threw a number of distinguished literati off their guard: Sir
Walter Scott, visiting Briullov in Rome in 1833, was perplexed and
overcome by it, as was Gogol when it came to St Petersburg, and
Pushkin who was inspired to write a poem, 'Vesuvius's Throat':
Karl Briullov,
Last Day
of Pompeii
, 1833,
oil on canvas.
Vesuvius' throat has opened - the smoke puffs thickly out -
The flames are wild unfurled - like banners in a battle.
Image not available - no digital rights
