2-888-415 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Eruption of Vesuvius [in Italy] - Sketched on the Verge of the Grand Stream of Lava, 1850. Depiction of '...lava, destroying the gateway of a villa, and burning the trees, as it advanced in slow and terrific grandeur, entombing all it met...The...lava threw a red light over an endless extent of cloud, which rolled and writhed about like giants in agony. A continued growl, accompanied by occasional explosions that shook the earth, added to the terror of the scene. As the wind played with the fumes...you occasionally caught a glimpse of the crater through the black curtains of smoke. A deep crimson flame...was seen for an instant; and then the dusky cheek of a rose-tinted cloud...directed the eye again to the burning river at our feet, the molten mass of which moved on with a metallic click...the effect on the eye was such that some of the party were obliged to retire'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.