1913 Print Joseph Pennell Art Bas Obispo Culebra Cut Panama Canal South XAOA2

This is an original 1913 black and white halftone print of a lithograph by Joseph Pennell of a steam shovel loading a dirt train during the excavation and construction of the Culebra Cut at Bas Obispo, Panama in South America during the building of the canal. The Panama Canal is a roughly 50 mile long ship canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Although the first canal route was proposed as early as 1534 by a Spanish colonial official, the first stage of construction was began by a French company from 1881 to 1888. After years of hard work the French company abandoned the project as a failure. However, the American government took over construction, and the final building stage of the Panama Canal took place between 1904 and 1913, (the year it was officially opened). Today, "bridge of the world" continues to be an important conduit for international maritime trade. CONDITIONThis 99+ year old Item is rated Very Fine +++. Light aging throughout. Product Type: Original