Coal—The Towering Breaker 1908

This etching by American artist Joseph Pennell, titled "Coal—The Towering Breaker," depicts a towering coal breaker, a structure used to process raw coal, against a backdrop of industrial activity. Created in 1908, the work reflects Pennell's interest in capturing the dynamism and scale of the industrial revolution. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this print, which exemplifies Pennell's signature style of detailed linework and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. This piece offers viewers a glimpse into the realities of early 20th-century industry and Pennell's masterful portrayal of its architecture and atmosphere.