House of Cervantés, Madrid c. 1903

Joseph Pennell’s 1903 drawing, "House of Cervantés, Madrid," depicts the entrance to the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes’s former home. The drawing is a loose and gestural depiction of the building’s facade, featuring a sign with Cervantés’s name in the center and a glimpse into the darkened entrance. The inscription above the door, detailing Cervantés's life and death, adds a poignant historical dimension to the scene. Pennell was known for his drawings of cityscapes and urban life, using a style that captures the essence of a place through expressive lines and shadows. This artwork offers a glimpse into the history and architectural details of Madrid through the artist's keen observation and evocative style.