Bridge at Charlottenburg 1921

Joseph Pennell made this drawing of the Bridge at Charlottenburg, but I couldn't tell you when. I really admire the way he’s captured the architecture with such a light touch, almost as if the buildings are emerging from a mist. The texture of the paper plays a huge role here; it’s like Pennell is inking directly onto the surface. Look at how the reflections in the water are suggested with these tiny, energetic strokes. There’s a real sense of movement and life. You can almost hear the bustle of the city. It reminds me a little of Whistler's etchings, but with more of a journalistic feel. Both artists were interested in capturing the fleeting moments of modern life, but Pennell has a way of making it feel like you are really there. It’s like he’s saying, “This is what it felt like to be there, in that place, at that time.” And that’s something really special.