Lear / Nonsense / Vesuvius
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Lear / Nonsense / Vesuvius
There was an Old Man of Vesuvius, who studied the works of Vitruvius; When the flames burnt his book, to drinking he took, that morbid Old Man of Vesuvius
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Media ID 4404935
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10236687
1846 Burnt Flames Lear Morbid Nonsense Studied Vesuvius Vitruvius
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "An Old Man of Vesuvius," depicts the renowned scholar and philosopher, Lear, engrossed in the study of ancient Roman architectural texts by Vitruvius. The scene unfolds amidst the ominous backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, its ominous plume of smoke and flames looming in the background. The historical context of this image dates back to 1846, a time when the fascination with classical antiquity was at an all-time high. Lear, with a furrowed brow and intense focus, clutches a book tightly in his hands, oblivious to the impending danger as the flames from Vesuvius threaten to consume his precious literature. The title of this print is derived from the popular English nursery rhyme, "There was an Old Man of Vesuvius," which humorously describes the man's response to the loss of his books - he turns to drinking. Despite the seemingly nonsensical nature of the rhyme, this image underscores the importance of knowledge and the lengths to which scholars will go to preserve it. The "morbid Old Man of Vesuvius" is a poignant reminder of the fragility of human creations and the power of nature. This evocative print, published in 1846, is a testament to the enduring allure of history and the human spirit's unwavering quest for knowledge. It is a visual narrative that continues to resonate with us today, as we grapple with the complexities of our past and the ever-present threat of loss and destruction.
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