Belcher Arctic expedition, 1850s C017 / 7829
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Belcher Arctic expedition, 1850s C017 / 7829
Belcher Arctic expedition. 19th-century artwork of a scene from the Belcher Arctic expedition (1850-1854) sent to the Canadian Arctics North-West Passage to find the lost Franklin expedition. Edward Belcher led five British Navy ships, with four abandoned in pack ice. The two shown trapped in ice here are HMS Resolute and HMS Intrepid in the winter of 1853-4, at Melville Sound. The temperature reached minus 49 degrees Celsius. The crew eventually abandoned their ships and were rescued by other ships. The Resolute later drifted free and was recovered. Artwork by George Frederick Mecham, a commander on the Resolute
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Media ID 9208111
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1850s 1854 1855 Arctic Canada Canadian Cold Dogs Exploration Explorer Explorers Exploring Frozen Meteorological Meteorology Moon North American North West Northwest Passage Pack Ice Sailor Sailors Sea Ice Ship Snow Stars Trapped Travel Weather Winter Wintering 1853 British Navy Hms Resolute Naval Officer Overwintering
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in the Belcher Arctic expedition of the 1850s. Led by Edward Belcher, five British Navy ships were sent to the Canadian Arctic's North-West Passage in search of the lost Franklin expedition. However, this artwork by George Frederick Mecham depicts a scene of struggle and resilience as two ships, HMS Resolute and HMS Intrepid, find themselves trapped in unforgiving pack ice during the winter of 1853-4 at Melville Sound. The chilling temperatures plummeted to an astonishing minus 49 degrees Celsius, creating an icy prison for these brave sailors. Eventually, they had no choice but to abandon their vessels and seek rescue from other ships. Miraculously, the Resolute managed to break free from its frozen confines and was later recovered. Mecham's monochrome illustration beautifully portrays this historical event with meticulous detail. The image showcases not only the harshness of arctic conditions but also highlights human determination amidst adversity. The presence of dogs adds a touch of companionship and loyalty within this desolate landscape. This artwork serves as a testament to both exploration and survival against nature's harshest elements. It reminds us of the courage exhibited by those who ventured into uncharted territories in pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
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