Foilhummerum Bay, Valentia, Looking from Cromwell Fort: The Caroline and Boats Laying the Earth Wire, July 21st, 1865 1865 - 1866

Robert Charles Dudley created this watercolor in 1865, capturing Foilhummerum Bay during the laying of the transatlantic cable. Here, the cable itself becomes a potent symbol. Observe the line of boats stretching across the water, each one playing its part in the laying of the cable: this mimics the chain motif, a symbol of connection and continuity. This motif resonates with the ancient concept of the "Great Chain of Being," linking humanity to both the divine and the earthly realms. The image of the chain has resurfaced throughout history, from medieval allegories to modern industrial imagery, always signifying interconnectedness. Here, the cable laying is not merely a technological feat but a binding of two worlds. The scene conveys a sense of collective effort, a testament to humanity's ambition and the powerful, often subconscious, desire to bridge distances. It invites us to reflect on how we, as a species, are eternally driven to overcome barriers, connecting ourselves through symbols and stories that traverse time and space.