The Gun Pit, No.I 1917

Joseph Pennell made The Gun Pit, No.I using lithographic crayon and ink. The marks are quick, loose, and full of energy. It’s like Pennell wanted to capture the scene's raw, industrial vibe in a way that felt immediate and process-oriented. The use of lithography gives this print a grainy, almost gritty texture. The contrast between the dark, heavy shadows and the bright, open spaces creates a sense of depth. Look at how he uses tiny strokes to build up the image, giving it a complex, layered feel. Pennell really shows off how the physical medium can convey an emotional experience, in this case, the awe and grit of industrial production. The way the tracks lead into the distance, framing the heavy machinery, is a nice compositional touch. You might see echoes of Whistler in the way he handles light and shadow, but Pennell's got his own thing going on. Art is always a conversation, right? We’re just talking to each other across time, always open to new ideas and ways of seeing.