Kanopost van de Compagnie Universelle du Canal Maritime de Suez bij Port Said 1863 - 1890

This albumen silver print, taken by Hippolyte Arnoux, captures a scene at Port Said during the construction of the Suez Canal. The image presents a stark contrast between the modern engineering marvel of the canal and the more traditional modes of transport visible. The boat itself, seemingly crafted from wood, stands as a symbol of older maritime traditions juxtaposed against the industrial ambition that the canal represents. The figures onboard, perhaps supervisors or investors, highlight the social context of the project, with their presence hinting at issues of labor, class, and colonial enterprise inherent in this transformative undertaking. The photograph's sepia tones further imbue the scene with a sense of history, grounding it in a specific time and place, while also reminding us of the immense effort and human endeavor required to realize such ambitious projects. By focusing on the materiality of the boat and the social dynamics at play, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between progress, labor, and the reshaping of landscapes during this era.