Building the Bismarck, Hamburg 1914

Joseph Pennell created "Building the Bismarck, Hamburg," depicting the construction of a massive ship amidst the industrial landscape. The artwork provides a glimpse into the era’s fascination with technological advancement and military might. Pennell, an American expatriate, captures the imposing scale of the ship and the surrounding infrastructure. The gendered nature of labor is evident, with men dominating the workforce in this heavy industry. There is an emotional weight with implications of national pride, but also anxiety about the future. This image raises questions about the relationship between industry, labor, and national identity. It invites us to reflect on the human cost of progress and the ways in which technological achievements can be entangled with political ambitions.