Coal—The Great Incline, Breaker, Mahanoy City 1908

This etching of a coal breaker in Mahanoy City was crafted by Joseph Pennell around 1908. Dominating the scene is the coal breaker itself, a towering structure symbolizing industrial might, but also hinting at the toil and environmental impact of mining. This motif of the 'tower' has echoed through ages, from the Tower of Babel to modern skyscrapers. Here, it represents not divine aspiration or community, but the harsh reality of industrial labor. The long chute suggests a relentless flow, a modern echo of ancient rivers of life, now channeled into the production of coal. There's a somber, almost oppressive weight to the scene, reflective of the psychological impact of industrialization. Just as the Romantics sought sublime terror in nature, here we find it in the man-made landscape. These symbols are not static; they evolve, acquiring new layers of meaning, each reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of its time.