The Viaduct, D., L. & W. at Nicholson, Pa. 1919

Joseph Pennell made this print of The Viaduct, D., L. & W. at Nicholson, Pa. using etching techniques. Look at the subtle gradations, the way the lines build up to suggest light and shadow, almost like a pencil drawing. You can see the process unfolding before you. The image depicts a vast railway bridge towering over a small town; the texture is incredible, especially when you consider that it's all created with lines. See how the artist uses the density and direction of the lines to create a sense of depth and volume. Notice how the smoke coming from the train is rendered with wispy, almost ethereal lines. This reminds me of Piranesi’s architectural prints, but with an American twist. I think Pennell is showing us the grandeur of human engineering, but he's also capturing the intimate scale of everyday life. It’s like he is inviting us to consider how we experience the world, both from a distance and up close.