Home > Granger Art on Demand > Portraits
FERDINAND de LESSEPS (1805-1894). Vicomte Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps. French diplomat
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Granger
FERDINAND de LESSEPS (1805-1894). Vicomte Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps. French diplomat
FERDINAND de LESSEPS
(1805-1894). Vicomte Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps. French diplomat and promoter of the Suez and Panama Canals. Is M. de Lesseps a Canal Digger or a Grave Digger? Cartoon comment by Thomas Nast, 1881, on the high rate of mortality and illness among workers on the Panama Canal project
Granger holds millions of images spanning more than 25,000 years of world history, from before the Stone Age to the dawn of the Space Age
Media ID 12364539
1881 Canal Construction Diplomat Ferdinand Latin America Lesseps Maria Nast Nobleman Panama Panama Canal Pick Politics Promoter Shovel Suez Canal Viscount
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the enigmatic figure of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French diplomat and promoter renowned for his instrumental role in the construction of both the Suez and Panama Canals. The image showcases M. de Lesseps with an air of mystery, as he stands amidst a backdrop of bustling construction activity. The caption poses an intriguing question: "Is M. de Lesseps a Canal Digger or a Grave Digger?". This thought-provoking cartoon comment by Thomas Nast in 1881 alludes to the high rate of mortality and illness among workers on the ambitious Panama Canal project. As we delve into history through this photograph, we witness not only the grandeur of engineering feats but also their human cost. De Lesseps' noble visage is juxtaposed against laborers toiling away with picks and shovels, emphasizing the stark contrast between privilege and hardship. With his distinguished moustache and aristocratic demeanor, Ferdinand de Lesseps personifies ambition intertwined with controversy. While hailed as a visionary for connecting distant lands through canals, he faced criticism for alleged mismanagement during the Panama Canal's construction that led to immense suffering among workers. This print serves as a poignant reminder that behind every monumental achievement lies untold stories of sacrifice and struggle. It invites us to reflect upon historical figures like M. de Lesseps who shaped our world while grappling with complex moral dilemmas - leaving us pondering whether they were canal diggers or grave
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
