Within the Ferry, Cortlandt Street, New York 1919

This etching, titled 'Within the Ferry, Cortlandt Street, New York,' was made by Joseph Pennell. Look at the web of marks that make up the image. It's like a constellation of tiny lines, each one buzzing with its own energy. The image is made up of marks, and the marks construct space. Take a look at the arches and the latticework of dark strokes, and see how they create a sense of depth. The lines feel spontaneous, almost scribbled, but they come together to form these colossal architectural structures. Pennell was an American expatriate, and you could imagine someone like Whistler capturing a scene such as this - both were masters of tonal nuance. Etchings invite us to appreciate the beauty of imperfection. They remind us that art is not about flawless representation, but about capturing a feeling, an impression, a moment in time.