Toledo, Street of the Arch c. 1903

Joseph Pennell created this lithograph titled "Toledo, Street of the Arch" using a greasy crayon on a flat stone or metal plate. Pennell masterfully uses the lithographic process to convey a sense of atmosphere. Notice how the varying pressure of the crayon creates a range of tones, from the deep blacks of the archway to the soft grays of the distant buildings. The texture of the paper also plays a role, adding a subtle graininess to the image. Lithography is inherently a graphic medium, but here it almost mimics the effect of a charcoal drawing. Consider the amount of labor involved in creating this image, from preparing the stone to carefully applying the crayon. Pennell engaged with skilled traditions, blurring the lines between fine art and printmaking. Through his craft, Pennell captures not just a place, but a feeling, inviting us to consider the social and cultural significance embedded within the everyday.