Offical Ancon 1912

Joseph Pennell created the sketch "Official Ancon" in 1912, depicting a bird's eye view of Panama. Pennell was an American expatriate who became known for his lithographs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, the United States’ interests in Panama were largely centered around the construction of the Panama Canal. As we consider this sketch, we might think about the impact of this construction on the indigenous populations and the labor force, largely composed of Afro-Caribbeans. “Official Ancon” invites us to reflect on the lives and communities shaped by this massive engineering project, and the complicated legacies of colonialism that continue into the present. The sketch presents a unique perspective, both intimate and detached, evoking a sense of place while acknowledging the complex histories embedded within the Panamanian landscape.