Landing the Shore End of the Atlantic Cable

Robert Charles Dudley

Created:
Movement:
1866
Realism
key Notes:
Transatlantic communication, Maritime engineering
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Dimensions:
22 1/2 x 33 in. (57.2 x 83.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Landing the Shore End of the Atlantic Cable" is a painting by Robert Charles Dudley, created in 1866. The artwork depicts the historic event of the successful landing of the transatlantic telegraph cable at Heart's Content, Newfoundland. This event marked a significant advancement in communication technology, connecting North America and Europe. Dudley, a British marine artist, was known for his detailed maritime scenes and his work often reflected contemporary events. The painting captures the moment with a focus on the ships and crew involved in the cable-laying operation. It is characterized by its realistic portrayal of the sea and the technical aspects of the cable. The painting is part of the collection at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England. The exact circumstances of its commission and reception are not well-documented.

Description of the work:

"Landing the Shore End of the Atlantic Cable" by Robert Charles Dudley, created in 1866, depicts a significant moment in the history of telecommunications. The painting features a coastal scene where a group of figures is engaged in the process of landing the cable. The composition is characterized by a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the figures and the cable against the backdrop of the sea. Dudley employs a rich color palette, with deep blues and greens representing the ocean, contrasted by the earthy tones of the figures and the shoreline. The brushwork is detailed, particularly in the rendering of the cable and the textures of the clothing worn by the figures. The painting captures both the technical achievement of the cable landing and the human effort involved in this monumental task. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of urgency and importance, reflecting the historical context of the event.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Landing the Shore End of the Atlantic Cable