print: engraved broadside entitled "Il Telegrapho"
Date1794
Inventory Number1998-1-1108
ClassificationPrint
Subject
Maker
Antonio Nerozzi
18th Century
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions0.1 x 28.7 x 40.9 cm (1/16 x 11 5/16 x 16 1/8 in.)
DescriptionThis is an engraved broadside with illustrations of a semaphore, the "first practical system of long-distance telegraphic communication," the signs transmitted by it along with the corresponding letters, and 43 lines of descriptive text in two columns underneath describing its function and praising its simplicity.
The semaphore telegraph was initially used only to send bad news, and would not be used unless something significant (and often traumatic) happened. For this reason, the semaphore later developed into a symbol of death or defeat, because it was often used for military purposes to signify these things during the 1700s and 1800s.
The engraving is heavily stained with mold and torn at the edges.
The semaphore telegraph was initially used only to send bad news, and would not be used unless something significant (and often traumatic) happened. For this reason, the semaphore later developed into a symbol of death or defeat, because it was often used for military purposes to signify these things during the 1700s and 1800s.
The engraving is heavily stained with mold and torn at the edges.
Signedsigned at the bottom of this print: la Bologna apreso Antonio Nerozzi sotto il Portico delle Scuole, 1794
Inscribedat the top of the print: Il Telegrafo
Curatorial RemarksIncludes an early description of a semaphore.
Henri G. Galeotti
Date: 1830-1858
Object number: 1998-1-1450
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: bob hanging by green thread on side; black and red power cord; spare fastening pins in envelope; spare roll of paper
Object number: 1999-1-0004
American
Date: 1930-1950
Accessories: metal plane table
Object number: 1997-1-0311b
International Research Corporation
Date: 1950s
Accessories: case, film strip holder, cord
Object number: 2010-1-0006