The Big Bug 1916

Joseph Pennell’s 1916 lithograph “The Big Bug” depicts a biplane in a hangar, likely during World War I. The use of hatching and cross-hatching in the work emphasizes the intricate details of the aircraft and the mechanics working on it. The composition focuses on the plane’s powerful propeller, drawing the viewer’s eye to its scale and the technological advancements of the time. Pennell, known for his illustrations of urban landscapes and industrial scenes, captures the era's fascination with aviation.