Dan Finamore, Russell W. Knight Curator of Maritime Art and History, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem,

From the mid-19th century through the mid-20th century, ocean liners were floating showcases of technology, opulence and social sophistication. As icons of modernity and aspirational living, artists, engineers, architects and passengers all vied for influence and access in the creation and enjoyment of these man-made islands at sea. Ocean liners were intricately constructed pieces of culture —in the appearance of their design, the elegance of their engineering and the division of their social space — and each with its own distinct personality. Their names — Titanic, Normandie, Queen Mary — still evoke powerful visions of sophisticated and glamorous travel during an era long since passed.

This lecture will take place on Zoom. For further information please email
greenwichdecorativearts@gmail.com. Guests welcome @ $25 per lecture.

Panel from the Rape of Europafor the first glass grand salon on board the Normandie, Jean dupas,1934, Photgraph curtesy of Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts