The Paying-out Machinery in the Stern of the Great Eastern 1865

"The Paying-out Machinery in the Stern of the Great Eastern" is a watercolor by Robert Charles Dudley depicting the complex machinery used to lay the transatlantic telegraph cable. The image captures the technical marvel of the 19th century, with the intricate network of gears and ropes dominating the composition. Dudley's meticulous detail, showcasing the industrial scale of the project, provides a glimpse into the history of telecommunications and the engineering prowess of the era. The artwork is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.