To Cyrus W. Field from New York Friends, for Laying the First Atlantic Cable 1858

This is a commemorative medal made by George Hampden Lovett in honor of Cyrus W. Field, celebrating the laying of the first transatlantic cable. Considered alongside other forms of portraiture from the 19th century, this medal reflects not just an individual likeness, but also the societal values of the era. Field is depicted in profile, reminiscent of classical antiquity, surrounded by laurel wreaths which symbolize his triumph. At the time, technological achievements were shaping global interactions, yet whose stories are valorized and remembered through such objects? This medal represents a specific narrative of progress, one that often overlooks the contributions of marginalized groups and indigenous populations impacted by these advancements. While celebrating connection, it also prompts us to reflect on how these connections were forged and at what cost.