Portret van Ferdinand de Lesseps 1860 - 1875

This is a portrait of Ferdinand de Lesseps by Georges Mathurin Legé. Though undated, it invites us to consider the legacy of a man whose endeavors were deeply embedded in the colonial ambitions of 19th-century Europe. Lesseps, a French diplomat and engineer, is most known for his role in the construction of the Suez Canal. This feat of engineering slashed the journey between Europe and Asia, yet it simultaneously cemented European control over global trade routes. The project relied heavily on the exploitation of local labor, primarily Egyptians, who endured harsh conditions and immense loss of life. Portraits like this one often serve to immortalize their subjects, but they can also provoke questions about power, privilege, and exploitation. As we reflect on Lesseps' image, let’s also consider the untold stories of those who paid the price for his ambition. It asks us to engage critically with historical narratives and the figures they celebrate.