START WITH ART: The Eruption of Vesuvius

Good morning! We begin each day by examining a piece of art from history. Today’s artwork is pictured below. Take a look, then read the questions to the students/children in your life and watch how starting the day with art can ignite creativity and critical thinking!

Title: The Eruption of Vesuvius

Artist: Pierre-Jacques Volaire

Date: 1771

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 116.8 × 242.9 cm

Start with Art Questions: 

• Look at the bright reds and oranges in the sky. How do these colors help you feel the heat and power of the volcano erupting? 

• Notice how the artist painted the clouds of smoke and ash. How do the swirling brushstrokes make the scene feel more dramatic and intense?

• Imagine standing near the volcano as it erupts. How does the way the artist showed light and shadows make the scene feel real and a bit scary?

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