After Rome and Venice, Naples had always been a favorite stop on the itinerary of every European Grand Tourist, beloved for its scenic countryside and the sun-drenched beauty of its celebrated bay. But by the mid-18th century, the newly unearthed archeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the dramatic increase in volcanic eruptions at Mount Vesuvius made Naples a must-see destination for cultured and wealthy travelers.

Vesuvius had erupted many times since the initial explosion devastated Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD; however, the year 1750 marked the beginning of a renewed era of regular volcanic activity after a long period of relative calm. The public imagination was captivated by the violence of these remarkable erupt...