Samuel F.B. Morse (1791–1872) is famous throughout the world for co-inventing the electromagnetic telegraph and developing his namesake Morse code. The great societal impact of his scientific career is coupled with a lesser known but influential artistic legacy. In his lifetime, Morse was a critically acclaimed artist, especially in the genre of portraiture.
Trained in England and France, he was passionate about fostering art appreciation in the United States. After he struggled to receive commissions for his grand ambition of history painting, Morse abandoned his art career for inventing; history was then made. However, his important canvases continue to be admired, and his educational efforts nurtured subsequent generations of American artists.
