The Athletic Club at Bowling Green 1895 - 1905

Harry Fenn made this drawing of the Athletic Club at Bowling Green using graphite and gray wash on paper. It’s a fairly conventional approach, but the way Fenn wields his materials gives us insight into the social context of the scene. The graphite provides precise architectural details, and the washes create an atmospheric perspective, emphasizing the building's prominence, and softening the edges of this exclusive place. There is a striking contrast between the club's solid architecture and the breezy, washed-out sky. The image is a form of promotion and aspiration. The carefully delineated building stands in stark contrast to the blurred figures on the lawn. By emphasizing the club's structure, Fenn tacitly acknowledges the labor required for its construction and maintenance, but focuses on the leisure enjoyed by its members, emphasizing the social divisions of the late 19th century. The contrast between the sharp architectural details, and the soft washes remind us of the stratification of labor during the time period. So, next time you look at a drawing, consider the material and techniques employed. They offer clues to the broader social and economic context in which the artwork was made.