Vesuvius by Andy Warhol. Warhol chose to illustrate Vesuvius in the way it is most known for — as a violent, erupting volcano, spewing molten hot lava and flumes of smoke into the air. The dark reds and browns of the composition also hint at its destructive nature. In conceiving of the composition of his volcanoes, Warhol explained that “the volcanoes seemed to be painted just one minute after the eruption.” While the volcano is menacing, the viewer is placed far enough out of the way of the composition, so as to remain an observer, rather than a participant (or victim), in this violent scene.