Though most Americans know Samuel Finley Breese Morse only for the telegraphic code that bears his name and his participation in the development of world-changing technology, Morse had initially made his name as a painter. He studied painting in England during the War of 1812. The deeply religious Morse often incorporated spiritual themes in his paintings as well as statements on the political turmoil of his time. Two of his greatest works have these elements. The Death of Hercules is considered his masterpiece. That painting, as well as The Judgment of Jupiter contain Calvinist and anti-Federalist elements. But the second half of his life was consumed with the development and promotion of the telegraph. In his own words and those of his friends and relatives, we are able to see the man through his successes and disappointments throughout his long life.