Robert Seldon DuncansonAmerican, 1821–1872Vesuvius and Pompeii
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Vesuvius and Pompeii” now? Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 11A, Washington, D.C. Yes, on view now. Checked September 25, 2026.
Washington, D.C., United States
RoomLuce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 11A
Closed· opens tomorrow at 11:30 AM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
Robert S. Duncanson spent a significant amount of time in Italy, and painted several views of Pompeii. Pompeii's dramatic history and the lure of Mount Vesuvius's still violent potential brought many artists to the area in the nineteenth century. This image shows the remains of an amphitheater, with Vesuvius smoking in the background. Duncanson probably painted this scene from memory, placing different ruins together to create a compelling composition.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Details
- Accession number
- 1983.95.177
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Image: Smithsonian American Art Museum — CC0
