Deck of the Great Eastern, the Cable Trough, etc., 1866

1865–66

Not on view

One of the 19th century's great technological achievements was to lay a telegraphic cable beneath the Atlantic, allowing messages to speed back and forth between North America and Europe in minutes, rather than ten or twelve days by steamer. An initially successful attempt in 1858, led by Cyrus W. Field and financed by the Atlantic Telegraph Company, failed after three weeks. Two working cables were finally laid in July and September 1866, the result of repeated efforts by the indefatigable Field, a cadre of engineers, technicians, and sailors, two groups of financial backers, and significant help from the British and United States navies. Dudley documented the process in a series of watercolors and oils, this example showing equipment on the deck of the Great Eastern in 1866. In 1892 Field donated art works by Dudley, commemorative medals, memorabilia, and specimens of cable to the Museum.

Artwork Details

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Title: Deck of the Great Eastern, the Cable Trough, etc., 1866
Artist: Robert Charles Dudley (British, 1826–1909)
Date: 1865–66
Medium: Watercolor over graphite with touches of gouache (bodycolor)
Dimensions: Sheet: 13 7/16 × 20 7/16 in. (34.2 × 51.9 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Gift of Cyrus W. Field, 1892
Object Number: 92.10.78
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

By Robert Charles Dudley

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The Majolica Fountain in the International Exhibition, Designed by the Late John Tomas, Executed by Minton, Hollins and Co., from "Illustrated London News"

Robert Charles Dudley

August 30, 1862

Making the Splice between the Shore End and the Ocean Cable, Robert Charles Dudley British, Oil on canvas — Making the Splice between the Shore End and the Ocean Cable
Robert Charles Dudley
ca. 1866

Grappling for the Lost Cable, Robert Charles Dudley British, Oil on canvas — Grappling for the Lost Cable
Robert Charles Dudley
ca. 1866

Homeward Bound: "The Great Eastern", Robert Charles Dudley British, Oil on canvas — Homeward Bound: "The Great Eastern"
Robert Charles Dudley
ca. 1866

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