Artwork

The Last Days of Pompeii

The Last Days of Pompeii, by James Hamilton, oil, 1864
The Last Days of Pompeii, by James Hamilton, oil, 1864

The Last Days of Pompeii is an oil painting by James Hamilton. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Last Days of Pompeii is an oil painting created by James Hamilton in 1864, now held at the Brooklyn Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the catastrophic destruction of Pompeii, with a massive volcanic explosion in the background and fleeing figures in the foreground, conveying chaos and panic.

Technique & Style

Hamilton employed bold brushstrokes, vivid colors, and chiaroscuro to create a dramatic scene, using strong contrasts between light and dark to convey depth and volume.

Artist & collection

Brooklyn Museum

Museum

Brooklyn Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Brooklyn Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.