Pierre Jacques Volaire (Le Chevalier Volaire) (1729-1802)
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Pierre Jacques Volaire, also known in the art world as “Le Chevalier Volaire” (Knight Volaire) was a French painter, famous for his depictions of erupting volcanoes at night. Volaire studied under Claude-Joseph Vernet and spent most of his life and artistic career in Italy.
Volaire was born into a well known family in Toulon, France, the son of the official city painter. In 1754, Volaire began his own career as an artist after taking classes under Vernet. From Vernet, Voliare learned how to effectively use moonlight to create drama in his compositions. This important concept would later be used in his depiction of shadowy figures silhouetted by fires. After ten years of study, Volaire left for Italy where he created seascapes and landscapes in Rome until 1769. He then left for Naples in 1769 where he lived until his death in 1802.
It is thought that the many eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius from 1770-1774 is what prompted Volaire to paint his fantastical scenes of the volcano erupting at night. Volaire also documented his trips to the volcanoes and published them in a book by Campi Phlegraei. In all, he created a great many scenes of Vesuvius erupting at night, and his passion for this geological event is evident in the beauty of the fiery skies and molten rivers.
The Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius 1779 Throughout his career, Volaire only exhibited his work in Paris three times, most likely due to the scandal surrounding his name. Though he was famous throughout Europe, he was not recognized in his native France because of his “sensational paintings.” After he tried to sell one of his volcano paintings to Louis XVI in 1786, he lost his credibility because his work was considered “undignified” by the monarchy.
Despite his numerous paintings of seascapes, landscapes and fantastic volcanic eruptions, Volaire also created many drawings and pastels, as well as engravings. Today his work is housed all over the world, and perhaps in your own home. Still wondering about a French or Italian landscape or volcano scene in your family estate? Contact us…it could be by Pierre Jacques Volaire.
