St. Paul's from the River 1906

Joseph Pennell made this print, "St. Paul's from the River," using etching. This view captures the iconic cathedral and surrounding cityscape, reflecting London's position as a center of global power. The print's visual codes offer insights into the socio-economic landscape of the time. Note the industrial presence: factories, bridges, and boats signal the growth of industry. Pennell's choice to depict St. Paul's hints at the complex relationship between the established Church and modern progress. Was he conservative or progressive in his outlook? We can tell by researching his involvement in the debates of the time. By studying archives, publications, and exhibition records, the historian pieces together the artist's intentions, the values of institutions, and the social context that shaped the work of art. The meaning of "St. Paul's from the River" becomes a product of its time.