The New Stock Exchange 1921

Joseph Pennell made this etching of the New Stock Exchange sometime in the early 20th century, using a technique that almost feels like he’s sketching with acid on metal. Look at the density of lines, how they build up the image, layer by layer. The scaffolding around the building is almost as important as the building itself, creating this incredible depth. I love the way the marks feel almost chaotic, but they resolve into a clear image from a distance. There's a real tension between the detail and the overall impression, a balance between representation and abstraction that I find really compelling. See how the crowd at the bottom is just a mass of tiny scratches, like a swarm of ants. This reminds me of Piranesi’s architectural prints, but with a modern, industrial twist. Like all good art, it’s a conversation, echoing the past while speaking to the present, reminding us that art is always evolving, always questioning.