18th-Century Volcanic Illusion Recreated with Modern Engineering
A remarkable feat of historical reconstruction has brought to life a forgotten attempt at “science communication” from the 1770s, blending art, engineering, and the enduring fascination with volcanic power. A device designed by Sir William Hamilton, the British ambassador to Naples and Sicily, to simulate the fiery flow of Mount Vesuvius’ lava has been painstakingly rebuilt by engineering students in Australia.
A Diplomat’s Obsession with Vesuvius
Sir William Hamilton served as the British ambassador to the court of Naples and Sicily from 1765 to 1800, a period marked by frequent eruptions of the nearby Mount Vesuvius. The volcano’s dramatic displays clearly captivated Hamilton, inspiring him in 1775 to conceptualize a mechanical apparatus. His vision was to enhance a 1771 watercolor painting, “Night view of a current of lava,” by artist Pietro Fabris, making the depicted magma appear to move and glow.
While it remains uncertain whether Hamilton ever fully realized his design beyond the initial sketches, the detailed plans were preserved at the Bordeaux Municipal Library. These plans proved crucial, allowing a team of students to resurrect the concept centuries later.
From Sketch to Stunning Recreation
The reconstruction, based on a video from the University of Melbourne, centers around a rotating perforated tube positioned behind Fabris’ watercolor. A light source shines through the perforations, casting dynamic patterns of brightness onto the back of the canvas. This ingenious effect creates the illusion of flowing lava when viewed from the front, bringing a new dimension to the artwork.
“It is a wonderful piece of science communication,” stated a senior curator in the faculty of engineering and information technology at the University of Melbourne. “People around the world have always been fascinated by the immense power of volcanos.”
Bridging Centuries with Modern Technology
The recreated apparatus is the centerpiece of “The Grand Tour,” an exhibit at the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library. The exhibit explores the educational journeys undertaken by young, upper-class British men in the 18th century, with Italy being a particularly popular destination.
According to the University of Melbourne, the project’s lead envisioned the recreation for some time. “I’ve always wanted to recreate the apparatus, and suddenly the opportunity of the exhibition on the Grand Tour at the Baillieu Library gave me the opportunity to, sort of, commission a team,” he explained. “They are trying to really use 21st-century mechatronics and techniques and electronics to recreate in the same spirit of Hamilton’s originally clockwork-driven and candle-lit apparatus.”
Graduate students Xinyu (Jasmine) Xu and Yuji (Andy) Zeng dedicated three months to building the device, utilizing laser-cut timber, acrylic, electronic control systems, and programmable LED lighting. Zeng noted the project provided valuable practical experience, saying, “It was a fantastic way to build my hands-on problem-solving skills.” He also highlighted the challenges mirroring those faced by Hamilton himself, emphasizing the need for careful light design and concealment of the underlying mechanisms.
A Lasting Display for Future Generations
The “Grand Tour” exhibition, featuring the Vesuvius apparatus and related artifacts from Hamilton’s time in Naples, is scheduled to run until June 28, 2026, at the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library. This captivating display offers a unique glimpse into the intersection of art, science, and historical ingenuity, demonstrating how a centuries-old vision can be revitalized through modern engineering.
