About the seminar
While knowing the undersea realm is an ancient achievement, visual representations of it took shape in the nineteenth century, as naturalists began to study marine life and submarine telegraphy helped summon the ocean floor into popular consciousness.
At this moment, and connected to both, Edward Moran painted what may be the first fine arts painting of the ocean floor, Valley in the Sea (1862).
The presentation explores the historical contexts and precedents for this striking visual representation of the Atlantic bottom, noting the extent to which science, technology, and imagination shaped its creation, while pointing out its connections to the Hudson River school style of American art.
The seminar is open to all and registration is not required. As usual, light lunch will be served.
About Helen Rozwadowski
Helen Rozwadowski is Professor of History and Maritime Studies at the University of Connecticut and has written several books on the history of the oceans. She is currently guest researcher in Oslo.