The Ismailia roadstead and the encampement of the Khedive’s guests.

Commissioned by Ferdinand de Lesseps,
Edouard Riou (1833-1900), who was to work with Jules
Vernes for the Hetzel press, painted the Album de
l'Impératrice: Voyage pittoresque à travers l'isthme de
Suez.
The album is a collection of water-colours from life
following and commemorating the inauguration of the
Suez Canal, from the religious ceremonies of
16th November 1869 up to the crossing of the 17th-20th
November. Thousands of visitors from the world over
– of which 60 French were personally invited by the
Khedive of Egypt – took part in the festivities.