An Eruption of Mount Vesuvius, with the Procession of St. Januariu'-s Head 1778

Editor: We are looking at "An Eruption of Mount Vesuvius, with the Procession of St. Januarius's Head," painted by Joseph Wright of Derby in 1778. The use of oil on canvas creates this almost theatrical, dramatic effect. It definitely evokes feelings of awe, but also a kind of primal fear. What stands out to you when you look at this painting? Curator: Oh, this piece! It's more than just a landscape, isn't it? It's like Wright has bottled the feeling of "the sublime"—that potent cocktail of terror and beauty. The fiery Vesuvius dominates, of course. Did you notice how he plays with light and shadow? It is a visual metaphor for the era’s obsession with science, particularly volcanology. But even with all the showy pyrotechnics, my eye keeps getting pulled back to the tiny procession winding its way below. A strange scene; it feels almost like a stage play set against a volcano. Do you catch a sense of performance, too? Editor: Absolutely, there is that sense of performance you describe, almost as if nature is putting on a spectacle for humanity. Curator: Precisely! It makes you wonder who the real star of this show is, right? The volatile earth or the faithful inhabitants? I find the supposed power of St. Januarius is set against nature’s uncontainable might to be quite striking, if also unsettling, Editor: I never would have thought to view the painting that way. Thank you for guiding me on a different and exciting tour of thoughts. Curator: My pleasure. The best paintings keep whispering new things to us, don't they?