Susent from Williamsburg Bridge 1915

Joseph Pennell made this etching, Susent from Williamsburg Bridge, using brown ink on paper. The way the light gathers, almost swirls, above the city suggests the making of the image was an adventure in itself. The whole thing shimmers. The textures are amazing; see how the etched lines vary in thickness and direction, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. It’s like Pennell is not just showing us the city, but also the experience of being there, the grit and energy of it all. Look closely at the bridge in the background. It’s not just a structure, but a web of lines that both define and dissolve the form. It relates to the city's broader form, and it makes me think about the Futurists, like Boccioni, who were obsessed with capturing speed and dynamism in their work. This piece feels part of that conversation, showing how art is always buzzing with new ideas. Pennell reminds us that seeing is never just looking; it’s about feeling and thinking too.