Venice at Work 1911

"Venice at Work" (1911) is an etching by American artist Joseph Pennell (1857-1926) that depicts a bustling scene in the Venetian shipyard. The detailed, hatched lines of the etching capture the industrial activity with a sense of energy and movement. The composition is dominated by a large crane, with smaller figures and ships providing a sense of scale. The dramatic sky, rendered with a hazy quality, emphasizes the industrial nature of Venice at the turn of the 20th century. This work is a fine example of Pennell's mastery of etching and his interest in capturing the dynamism of modern life.