Foilhummerum Bay, Valentia, from Cromwell Fort: The Caroline Laying the Earthwire on July 21st, 1865 1865

Robert Charles Dudley rendered this scene of Foilhummerum Bay in watercolor, capturing the historic moment of the transatlantic cable laying in 1865. The prominent feature, the cliff, is an ancient symbol of steadfastness, often seen as a refuge or a vantage point. The cliff motif is a recurring image throughout art history. Consider the rocky landscapes of Renaissance paintings where saints often retreat to cliffs for contemplation, echoing the symbolic role of the steadfast refuge. There is an emotional component to this symbol that we can consider in the subconscious; a feeling of stability. It evokes both a sense of awe and a recognition of permanence. The cliff in Dudley’s work takes on a new meaning through the context of technological advancement, contrasting the natural world with the progress of human innovation. It provides an anchor, grounding the ephemeral nature of technology in the timelessness of nature. Such a symbol invites us to reflect on how humanity perpetually reshapes its world.