2-888-494 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Cyclorama - the Great Earthquake at Lisbon, 1850. Display at the Colosseum in London: 'The approach and the effect of the earthquake [of 1755] are powerfully indicated; the subterranean roar; the darkness; the appalling crash; the horror and the desolation. We next see the ships tossing upon the waves, fated to the destruction with which the lowering sky only too visibly threatens them. All is terror and despair...the scenes are accompanied with musical illustrations, performed by Mr. Pittman, on the new Apollonicon, built by Bevingtons...The whole was designed and produced under the direction of the late Mr. W. Bradwell, and has been painted by Messrs. Danson and Son, to whom the execution of this splendid task does the highest possible credit'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.