The Summit of Vesuvius Erupting

Wutky's interest in volcanological phenomena around Naples was closely related to Sir William Hamilton. He was a highly educated dilettante in the field of natural sciences and Wutky's friend. In 1779 he climbed Vesuvius in the company of Wutky to observe closely the violent eruption of Vesuvius. The painter sketched drawings that he later executed as large-scale paintings.