The Larks 1917

Editor: Joseph Pennell’s print, "The Larks," depicts biplanes in flight. The quick, sketchy lines give it a sense of immediacy, but the subject matter seems surprisingly modern for its time. How does this work fit into its historical moment? Curator: Well, consider the cultural fascination with flight that emerged in the early 20th century. Pennell is presenting airplanes not just as machines but almost as living creatures, "Larks", as if to soften the reality of their use during wartime. Do you think this print romanticizes war? Editor: I see your point. It definitely softens the military aspect. It's like he's trying to find beauty in something that’s inherently destructive. Curator: Exactly. The print's perspective makes the airplanes appear as if they're rising towards a divine light, which speaks to the institutional push for war and public messaging at the time. Editor: It's fascinating how the print reflects both the excitement and the anxieties surrounding new technologies and the politics that influence their representation. Curator: Indeed, and how artists like Pennell navigated their roles within those cultural forces.