Samuel Finley Breese Morse
Samuel Finley Breese Morse
Style: Romanticism;
Place: Charlestown
Born: 1791
Death: 1872
Biography:
Early Life and Painting Career
Samuel Finley Breese Morse, an American painter and inventor, was born on April 27, 1791, in Charlestown, Massachusetts. His father, Jedidiah Morse, a Calvinist pastor and geographer, influenced Samuel's early life. After attending Phillips Academy and graduating from Yale College with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1810, Morse supported himself through painting.
Artistic Training and Notable Works
Morse perfected his painting techniques under the watchful eye of Washington Allston in England. His masterpiece, The Dying Hercules, showcased his skill in capturing life drawing and anatomy. This work, created during his time in Britain, seemed to represent a political statement against the British and American Federalists.
- Landing of the Pilgrims captured the psychology of the Federalists, linking the two countries through Calvinist beliefs.
- Judgment of Jupiter, another significant work completed in England, expressed Morse's support for Anti-Federalism while maintaining his strong spiritual convictions.
Telegraph Invention and Later Years
In his middle age, Morse contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system based on European telegraphs. He co-developed the Morse code in 1837 and helped develop the commercial use of telegraphy.
- Morse's later years were marked by litigation over his telegraph patent.
- He received foreign recognition for his contributions to the development of the transatlantic cable.
Legacy and Honors
Morse's legacy extends beyond his inventions, with his paintings showcasing his artistic skill. He was a member of the American Antiquarian Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Notable Museums featuring Morse's Work:New York Museum of ArtWikipedia link: Click Here
