The Great Hammer 1916

"The Great Hammer" (1916) is a lithograph by American artist Joseph Pennell (1857-1926). The print depicts the interior of a factory, dominated by a massive hammer, highlighting the industrial revolution and its impact on the American landscape. The composition focuses on the sheer scale of the machine and the men working within it. Pennell uses charcoal-like strokes, creating a sense of dynamic movement within the space, a hallmark of his later works. His work often depicted the beauty and the harsh realities of the modern industrial world, making this artwork an insightful look into the working class and the machinery that shaped their lives.