East End 1907

Joseph Pennell made this etching called 'East End' with ink on paper. It’s all about process; those lines describe more than just bricks and mortar, they reveal the city through a kind of sensory exploration. Looking at the surface, you can almost feel Pennell dragging his tool across the plate. It's like a dance, isn't it? See how the lines vary – some are delicate and whisper, while others are bold and confident? Notice the way the ink pools in certain areas, creating shadows that give depth and texture to the architecture. This isn't just a picture, it's a record of a physical act. The way those marks build up, it’s almost sculptural. Pennell reminds me a little of Whistler, maybe it’s the shared interest in architecture as a starting point for experimentation, both artists see the city as a place full of potential, where seeing and feeling are the same thing.