The First Arctic Panorama

Henry Aston Barker's

View of the North Coast of Spitzbergen

1819-1820

from the collection of Russell A. Potter

from the collection of Russell A. Potter; photo copyright 2004 Russell A. Potter

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This Panorama depicts the Dorothea and Trent as they stood after a major storm that damaged both ships forced them to find anchorage off the Spitzbergen Islands in order to make badly-needed repairs. Franklin and Buchan can be seen in the foreground, consulting on what to do next. As with most panoramas, the original painting is long since lost; this engraving comes from a pamphlet/key to the exhibition printed for (and sold at) the Panorama.