Lago Agnano and the Grotta del Cane

Artist James Giles (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1801 - 1870)

Date1825

Mediumpen and ink on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 28.6 cm, Width: 43.4 cm

AcquisitionBequeathed in 1992 by John Sparrow OBE.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG010535

Keywords

About MeLago Agnano was a circular lake, measuring some 6½ km in circumference and occupying the crater of the extinct volcano of Agnano, near Pozzuoli, 8 km west of Naples. On its south bank are the natural sulphur baths of Stufe di San Germano and nearby is the Grotta del Cane, which was mentioned by Pliny the Elder ( Naturalis Historia , ii. 93). The lake was emptied in 1870 but for much of the 18th and 19th centuries was a popular subject for artists. Richard Wilson painted several oil paintings depicting the lake and J.M.W. Turner sketched views of the lake and the surrounding ancient buildings when he was travelling to Pompeii and along the Amalfi coast in 1819.

James Giles' view is quick and spontaneous showing just one section of the lake and the edge of the volcano and in the centre of the composition, the grotta del cane (Cave of the Dog). It was a popular attraction with visitors during the period of the Grand Tour as the floor of the cave emits poisonous gases which only rise a few inches. Thus they could enter the cave safely and watch a dog or any other small animal asphyxiated.

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The Cave of Dogs near Naples drew visitors on the Grand Tour to watch small animals being lowered into a layer of suffocating carbon dioxide produced from volcanic fumaroles near ground level.