Early 19th century Neapolitan school, circle of Saverio della Gatta (active 1777-1829), "Lava del Vesuvio, Accaduta il 15 Giugno del 1794", gouache on paper, titled lower centre, unsigned. H. 27 × 43.5 cm Vaud private collection CJB, Publications du Centre Jean Bérard, chapter 3 "Les Vésuve du chevalier Volaire : l'art et la science" p. 155-180. Good condition. This gouache belongs to the most sought-after production of the Neapolitan Grand Tour, in which the depiction of the eruptions of Vesuvius combines scientific observation and the staging of the sublime. The event of 15 June 1794, mentioned here, was widely documented and disseminated in the Europe of the Enlightenment, notably through the work of Sir William Hamilton. The quality of execution, the rigour of the composition and, above all, the presence of a titled black margin with clear, structured writing, bring this work closer to the productions attributed to Saverio della Gatta, whose workshop was distinguished by its descriptive approach to volcanic phenomena. The treatment of the plume and flows, organised according to a legible logic, and the introduction of figures in the foreground, are part of the same desire to combine accuracy and visual effect. Although it cannot be attributed with certainty to the artist's hand, this composition is in keeping with the high standards of the Neapolitan school. It bears witness to the way in which Vesuvius was perceived, observed and portrayed by travellers and artists at the turn of the 19th century.