The Upper-room, Stenton 1912

Joseph Pennell created "The Upper-room, Stenton," an etching that captures an interior space steeped in history and reflective of early 20th-century sensibilities. Pennell, an American expatriate, was deeply engaged with portraying architectural subjects and urban landscapes. In this quiet interior, we see more than just a room; we encounter a narrative of domesticity and tradition. The fireplace, the simple furnishings, and the light filtering through the windows create a sense of intimacy and quiet contemplation. The setting feels decidedly feminine, perhaps designed for social visits, letter writing, or reading. The room is neat, and the objects are carefully curated, hinting at a space inhabited by someone who values order and beauty. Pennell's choice to depict this upper room suggests an interest in the private lives of the upper-middle class. What stories do these walls hold? How have the social dynamics of gender and class shaped this space? Pennell captures a moment suspended in time.