The Acolytes Preparing the Altar of the War God 1916

Joseph Pennell created "The Acolytes Preparing the Altar of the War God" as an etching, showing a factory or industrial interior. It reflects the artist’s fascination with industrial landscapes and the changing urban environment at the turn of the century. Here, the factory floor is presented as a sacred space, with workers attending to the machines as if performing a ritual. This portrayal speaks to the complex relationship between labor, technology, and society, particularly in the context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pennell, like many of his contemporaries, was both captivated and disturbed by industrialization. He saw the potential for progress and innovation but also recognized the dehumanizing effects of factory work. The print thus serves as a powerful commentary on the way industrial labor can shape identity and experience. It encourages us to reflect on the emotional and psychological impact of industrialization.