1910 Half-Length Portrait of Panamas Acting President

This historic photograph from 1910 showcases a half-length portrait of Pablo Arosemena, who played a significant role in Panamas governance as the acting President. Arosemenas presidency was marked by his leadership during a transformative period in the nation’s early history, particularly after the separation from Colombia in 1903 and the subsequent establishment of a new government and constitution. During his brief time in office, Arosemena focused on stabilizing the new government while navigating the complexities of political alliances and international relations, especially with the United States, which was heavily involved in Panama during this era.

The portrait captures Arosemena facing to the right, a common pose in formal portraiture of the time, suggesting a sense of authority and dignity. Arosemenas tenure was part of a broader narrative of political change in Latin America during the early 20th century. Understanding figures like Arosemena helps us comprehend the regional dynamics and emergence of new political identities as Central American nations sought to establish their own paths post-colonialism. This photograph serves as a tangible link to an essential moment in Panamas history.