Landing of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, Trinity Bay, August 5, 1858
MediumPainting; oil on canvas
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x width): 60 × 72in. (152.4 × 182.9cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of William Russell Cone Corson
Object number1919.2.0
DescriptionPainting by George Whiting Flagg depicting the laying of the Atlantic telegraph cable in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, on August 5, 1858. 36 men are standing on the shore, divided into two groups. The group at the right contains sailors or workmen in red shirts, four of five clergymen in white robes, and four officials in blue uniforms. One official, hat in hand, leans upon a barrel partially covered with a canvas. Standing near it is a large pitcher, and at a small distance in the foreground a seachest.
On the left is another group of sailors and clergymen standing in front of the telegraph house. At the extreme left is a dark-haired, thickly bearded man in a dark suit. Near him in the foreground is Cyrus W. Field. Captain William Hudson of the frigate Niagara stands in the center of the image, book in hand, praying. Just in front of him is the cable. Nearly all the men have bowed heads and closed eyes except for Field and the man at the extreme left. They are looking out over the Atlantic.
The other officials in the painting may be William E. Everett, chief engineer, and Captain Dayman of the ship Gorgon.
On the left is another group of sailors and clergymen standing in front of the telegraph house. At the extreme left is a dark-haired, thickly bearded man in a dark suit. Near him in the foreground is Cyrus W. Field. Captain William Hudson of the frigate Niagara stands in the center of the image, book in hand, praying. Just in front of him is the cable. Nearly all the men have bowed heads and closed eyes except for Field and the man at the extreme left. They are looking out over the Atlantic.
The other officials in the painting may be William E. Everett, chief engineer, and Captain Dayman of the ship Gorgon.
Status
Not on view
2022 November 16
