The Flying Locomotive 1917

Joseph Pennell created this print, "The Flying Locomotive", during an era of immense industrial expansion. Pennell, an American expatriate, lived in London at the time. Here, the locomotive is a symbol of both progress and the potential for dehumanization. The locomotive appears suspended, almost flying, amidst the cathedral-like space of the factory, yet the small figures below are dwarfed by the sheer scale of the machine. The print encapsulates the complex relationship between humans and machines at the beginning of the 20th century, embodying a sense of awe and apprehension. Consider the emotional impact of the scene: the bright, ethereal light contrasting with the dark, looming presence of the locomotive. Pennell's work urges us to reflect on the human cost of industrial advancement, capturing the hope and anxiety of an era defined by rapid technological change.