Knightsbridge 1906

Editor: This is Joseph Pennell's "Knightsbridge," an etching from 1906. The density of the lines creates a really striking image. It feels almost claustrophobic, yet the architecture also feels grand. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The image speaks to the energy of urban life, the relentless forward march of progress embodied in the architecture, people, and horse-drawn carriages all rendered in incredible detail. But notice how the sky is blank, featureless, yet implicated. Do you think this choice of blanketing the air with a soft fog or even etching this piece without tonal rendering lends itself to feelings of isolation even in a public space? Editor: That’s an interesting point about the blank sky contributing to feelings of isolation. I hadn’t considered that. The lack of detail there does create a stark contrast with the activity on the street. Does this maybe highlight the anonymity one can experience even amidst crowds? Curator: Precisely. Pennell’s etching speaks to a larger phenomenon—the psychological impact of the modern city. He conveys the sensation of being both connected and disconnected, visible and unseen. Look, too, at how he uses the architecture to dwarf the figures below. Doesn’t that signify a shift in power structures of man versus industry, architecture? The sheer volume of detail, down to the individualized figures along the lower-right plane implies the chaos of the city. Editor: I definitely see the imbalance in scale and the emphasis of how grand architecture dwarfs the everyday citizen. That helps me better understand how he captures this unique psychological effect of urban life. It makes me think of the loss of a human-centered focus. Thank you. Curator: It shows how visual imagery has a lasting ability to reflect shifts in societal feeling. We've just seen the effect in one etched scene in London; who knows what further interpretation awaits this piece.