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Artwork

The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland

British 19th Century , 1865

The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland, by British 19th Century, ink, 1865
The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland, by British 19th Century, ink, 1865

The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist British 19th Century. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This drawing depicts a cliffside scene at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland, where the Atlantic Cable was laid.

Inscription
Inscribed:at top of image in graphite: (fine sky with light clouds) (make cable as _thin_ as possible to shew); around edges of image in graphite: about 6 in each boat; all pencil works / thus [not deciphered] figures; (Telegraph house, black corrugated iron, but part of roof _white_); (wooden shed, with flags) (tent); see back; farmhouse & town; Telegraph house / lies in a little hollow at / back of cliff; X; on verso in graphite: (make them throwing cable over if you like, I only shew / how they were) / (figures at top of cliff / pulling up cable) 1686; Knight of Kerry, white hair / blue coat, & / felt hat / (figures half in water pulling bottom part of cable) / Sir R Peel / brown suit / & felt hat; Mr [not deciphered] / light suit / with straw hat; Rocks dark brown, not _black_ as [not deciphered] says, with / rusty green tops. / Sky line to _recede_, / with a soft line, not as I have it, with / strong pencil marks.

About this work

Overview

This drawing depicts a cliffside scene at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland, where the Atlantic Cable was laid. Created with a mix of media, it showcases the artist's use of various techniques to capture the landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch shows a rocky shore with a winding path and buildings at the top of the cliff. A ship is faintly visible in the distance. The surrounding notes suggest it was a working sketch, possibly for a larger work, and include details like a telegraph house and wooden shed.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of media, including pen and ink, brush and gray wash, and white gouache over graphite. The loose, sketchy style is characterized by quick, light strokes, with some areas left as bare pencil marks, while others feature soft gray washes. The gouache adds a matte, opaque effect.

Lulworth
Lulworth, John Baverstock Knight

Artist & collection

Portrait of British 19th Century

Artist

British 19th Century

A short life left behind a quiet obsession with water: the churn of a mill wheel, the choppy waves off England's south coast, the light bouncing off pond lilies.

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VISUALLY SIMILAR

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland?

The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland was painted by British 19th Century in 1865.

Where can I see The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland?

The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland?

The Laying of the Atlantic Cable at Foilhommerum Bay, Ireland is associated with Impressionism.