Steam Shovel in the Cut at Bas Obispo 1912

Joseph Pennell’s 1912 lithograph "Steam Shovel in the Cut at Bas Obispo" depicts a steam shovel excavating a massive cut in the landscape. This dramatic scene, rendered in striking black and white, highlights the power and scale of industrial machinery, showcasing the construction of the Panama Canal. The artist's bold lines and dynamic composition capture the energy and chaos of the construction process, conveying a sense of both progress and destruction. This work is a powerful testament to the impact of modern technology on the landscape.