Lot 40: Pierre-Jacques Volaire, le Chevalier Volaire (Toulon 1729-1802 Naples)

Pierre-Jacques Volaire, le Chevalier Volaire (Toulon 1729-1802 Naples) Vesuvius erupting at night seen from the Atrio del Cavallo, with elegant onlookers, a view of Portici and Capri beyond inscribed, signed and dated 'Eruption Du Mont Vesuve du 14. may 1771. peinte sur le lieu par le che Volaire:' (lower right) oil on canvas 31 x 46¼ in. (78.8 x 177.5 cm.)

Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum, and Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art, Light! The Industrial Age, 1750-1900, 2001, p. 79, illustrated.

Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, New York, 30 May 1991, lot 82.