Under the Bridges 1910

Joseph Pennell made this print, Under the Bridges, probably in the early 20th century, using etching to create an image of industry and infrastructure. Pennell's lines swarm across the surface, depicting a complex network of bridges and smokestacks. It's a process of accumulation, of layering marks to build form and atmosphere. Look closely, and you can see how the etched lines vary in thickness and density, creating a sense of depth and texture. In the lower part of the image, where the water reflects the surrounding structures, the lines are more chaotic, almost vibrating with energy. This reflects the industrial scene but it's also about the surface of the metal plate itself, and how the acid bites into it. Pennell was clearly inspired by Whistler's prints, but he brought his own vision to the medium. Like Whistler, Pennell embraced ambiguity, inviting us to lose ourselves in the details and discover new connections.