Vesuvius 365 is a screenprint by Andy Warhol that was created in 1985. It details the volcanic mountain, Vesuvius, located in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. While its last eruption was in 1944, its most infamous and destructive eruption happened in 79 AD. The eruption covered its neighboring cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is the only European volcano to have erupted within the last one hundred years and is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Warhol’s print of the volcano emphasizes its fickle yet dangerous nature through deep reds and browns and a pastel quality.
Vesuvius 365 as Part of Andy Warhol’s Larger Body of Work
Warhol chose to illustrate the Vesuvius in the way it is most known for. It was known as a violent, erupting volcano, spewing molten hot lava and flumes of smoke into the air. The dark hues of the composition also hint at its destructive nature. In conceiving of the composition of his volcanoes, Warhol explained that “the volcanoes seemed to be painted just one minute after the eruption.” While the volcano is menacing, the viewer is placed far enough out of the way of the composition so as to remain an observer in this violent scene.
Photo: Andy Warhol working on one of the colorful variations of his Vesuvius paintings for the “Vesuvius by Andy Warhol” exhibition held at the Capodimonte Museum in Naples, 1985. Photographer unknown.
