Sep 15 2008
Here’s to the first post!
Ok, might as well jump right in:
Lately, I’ve gotten really interested in the ways in which electricity is depicted in 19th century American and British lit. I’ve been particularly interested in the electromagnetic telegraph and its symbioitic relationship with the nervous system metaphor. Marie informed me about the Capitol’s telegraphic history, which got me really interested. Hmm, I wonder if I could somehow do a reading of the building itself….
So I decided to do some exploring (specifically, trying to find more information on the intersection between the technological history and the history of the Capitol) and I found this link. Oh, the wonders of google. Talks about the history of the telegraph and the Capitol, and specifically brings an example of a piece of artwork that’s in the Capitol.
Here’s the article:
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/artifact/Painting_33_00019.htm
And here’s a close up of the painting, entitled Telegraph by Constantino Brumidi:
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/common/image/Painting_33_00019.htm
Weird stuff! I’m especially intrigued by the Europa myth and how Brumidi tailored it for an American myth. Don’t know what to make of it yet, but it could be useful.
One response so far | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: American Myth, Capitol, Constantino Brumidi, electricity, electromagnetic telegraph, Europa, nervous systenm, telegraph
One Response to “Here’s to the first post!”
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That’s fascinating! I endlessly wonder at the mass of renditions of “Europa and the Bull” (Fragonard, Boucher, etc) and the other favorite, Jupiter/Io…I see a theme emerging! Interesting that Jupiter’s content licking his wounds while the women make the ceremonial exchange!
And though I know realize it was painted before “The New Colossus,” it’s amusing to imagine America (Columbia? I’m still confused by the distinction) greeting Europa with “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” If America lives tech/progress and Europe lives myth/regress, sharing a telegraph line might only “jar two hemispheres.” Sorry, couldn’t resist– I love Hardy! :)
Also, so pleased you’re blogging already!! I’m “thesising” on digitalcommons.georgetown.edu/blogs/alk34 if you ever want to visit. :)