Lake Avernus

William Trost Richards

1870

Lake Avernus, a volcanic crater lake located in Campania, Italy, near the city of Naples. In ancient Roman times, Lake Avernus was believed to be the entrance to the underworld due to its sulfurous waters and the eerie atmosphere surrounding it. Historically, the area was used for various religious rituals and was considered a place of ominous mystery. In the artwork, the lake is shown with its tranquil yet haunting quality, surrounded by dense greenery and mist, emphasizing both its natural beauty and its legendary, otherworldly reputation. The soft lighting and subdued colors in the painting evoke a sense of calm mixed with an underlying sense of mystery.