Michigan Avenue, Chicago (The City Dirtyful) by Joseph Pennell

Michigan Avenue, Chicago (The City Dirtyful) 1919

drawing, print, etching, paper

drawing

aged paper

toned paper

print

etching

pencil sketch

old engraving style

etching

paper

pen-ink sketch

united-states

pen work

watercolour illustration

pencil art

watercolor

Joseph Pennell's 1919 etching, "Michigan Avenue, Chicago (The City Dirtyful)", captures the grandeur and industrial grit of early 20th-century Chicago. The artist's detailed lines create a dramatic portrayal of the city's skyline, focusing on the towering spire of the Chicago Tribune Tower. Pennell's use of shadow and light emphasizes the urban environment's imposing nature, reflecting the rapid growth and industrialization of Chicago. The print, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, offers a glimpse into the city's past, a powerful reminder of the city's enduring resilience and architectural ambition.