The ‘Mona Lisa of the Deep’: A 167-Year-Old Portrait Dredges Up Treasure and Tales

| Mysterious
February 18, 2025

In 2014, deep-sea explorers made an astonishing discovery in the wreck of the SS Central America, a 19th-century steamship that met its tragic end in 1857. Among the vast treasure trove of gold coins and artifacts, one particular item stood out—a hauntingly beautiful daguerreotype of an unknown woman. Resting 7,200 feet beneath the ocean surface off the coast of South Carolina for over 150 years, this photograph has been dubbed the “Mona Lisa of the Deep.”

The SS Central America, often referred to as the “Ship of Gold,” was a vessel carrying tons of California gold bound for the U.S. East Coast when it sank during a hurricane. The loss of the ship not only resulted in the deaths of over 400 people but also contributed to the financial Panic of 1857. The wreck remained lost to history until it was rediscovered in the late 20th century.

The daguerreotype, an early form of photography that captured images on silver-plated copper, was remarkably well-preserved despite spending over a century and a half submerged in the ocean’s crushing depths. The image shows a woman with piercing eyes, dressed in elegant black lace, her expression frozen in time. The identity of the woman remains a mystery, and it is unclear whether she was a passenger aboard the ill-fated vessel or if her image belonged to someone who perished in the wreck.

This relic of personal history, juxtaposed against the immense wealth recovered from the SS Central America, reminds us that the true treasures of the past are not only measured in gold but in the stories and faces of those who came before us. The discovery of the “Mona Lisa of the Deep” offers a poignant connection to the human lives lost at sea and serves as a testament to the enduring power of photography to preserve memory.

With the treasure from the shipwreck estimated to be worth over $765 million in 2021 dollars, the daguerreotype remains an invaluable piece of history—one that, despite its lack of monetary value, holds an irreplaceable emotional and historical significance. Who was this woman? What was her story? These questions may never be answered, but her face, now recovered from the abyss, continues to captivate the imagination of those who seek to uncover the past.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

Related Posts