Morsetelegraaf 1836 - 1912

Isaac Weissenbruch made this sketch of a morse telegraph at an unknown date, with pen in grey on paper. This drawing encapsulates a moment in time of technological advancement in the 19th century, but also reflects the social and economic conditions of that period. During this time there was an increased focus on the relationship between industrial advancement and societal progress. Weissenbruch's detailed rendering of the telegraph invites us to consider how new technologies alter human connection and alter the way our societies are structured. As communication becomes instantaneous, how does this change our experiences of time, distance, and community? Consider how the rapid innovation of this time period influenced the artist's perception. The drawing reflects a sense of optimism about technology. While technology promised progress it also introduced new forms of inequality, altering access to communication and information along lines of gender, race, and class. The telegraph, in its time, was as revolutionary and fraught with socio-political implications as the internet is today.