Landing at Newfoundland 1861 - 1871

Robert Charles Dudley created this oil on canvas painting called ‘Landing at Newfoundland’. The painting depicts a scene of arrival and encounter, embodying themes of exploration, colonialism, and the meeting of different worlds. Historically, images like this served to document and promote European expansion and settlement. Here, though, Dudley hints at something more complex. Note the contrast in attire and posture between those arriving and those already present. This visual juxtaposition speaks volumes about power dynamics, cultural differences, and the imposition of foreign norms on indigenous populations. The expressions on the faces of the local people suggest a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and perhaps even resistance. Dudley invites us to reflect on the narratives of progress and civilization often associated with such scenes. Consider the human cost of these encounters, the displacement, the loss of traditions, and the erasure of indigenous identities. The painting serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the history of exploration and settlement.