Lot 47: Pietro Antoniani (Milan circa 1740-1805) The Bay of Naples with the eruption of Vesuvius seen from the Riviera di Chiaia

The Bay of Naples with the eruption of Vesuvius seen from the Riviera di Chiaia
oil on canvas
74.9 x 124cm (29 1/2 x 48 13/16in).

PROVENANCE:
Grimaldi Collection (according to a label on the reverse).
Sale, Sotheby's London, 6 July 2000, lot 236.

Pietro Antoniani painted a number of such vedute showing Vesuvius in eruption from the 1770s, largely for Grand Tourists. It is believed that they were based on first hand observation of the volcano’s frequent activity at this date. The artist enjoyed the patronage of several British connoisseurs in particular, who were fascinated by the spectacular natural phenomenon. These included Charles Townley, Henry Blundell, the last Earl of Seaforth and Sir William Hamilton. The present painting may represent the eruption of the 19th September, 1767. A larger view of that eruption (although painted in 1776) was in the Hamilton collection in Naples. In his fascination with volcanoes, Hamilton’s scientific and observational approach towards nature was particularly notable and his essays on the subject to the Royal Society back in London were received with great acclaim by the leaders of enlightened society.