In the Mist of the Morning 1908

Editor: Here we have Joseph Pennell’s etching, "In the Mist of the Morning," created in 1908. The hazy, almost dreamlike cityscape is striking, with smoke billowing above the buildings. What kind of statement do you think Pennell was trying to make with this particular cityscape? Curator: Well, Pennell wasn't just depicting a city; he was capturing a specific moment in history – the dawn of the industrial age. Think about it: the "mist" could just as easily be interpreted as smog, a byproduct of unchecked industrial growth. It invites a critical reading of urban progress. What power structures are benefiting, and who is being marginalized or made vulnerable by this "progress?" Editor: So, the beauty is actually…deceptive? Curator: Exactly! It’s critical to remember that Impressionism wasn’t just about capturing beauty. It often hinted at the undercurrents of social change and technological advancement. This image, while visually captivating, hints at the environmental costs, and social inequities tied to rapid urbanization. Who has access to clean air in this vision of progress? Who is exposed to the industrial output on a daily basis? Editor: It sounds like he’s not necessarily celebrating this modern city. Curator: Precisely. By framing it "in the mist", he subtly critiques the consequences of prioritising industry over community well-being and sustainability. What would you say is revealed or concealed by the "mist" of the morning? Editor: That’s powerful. I’d always just seen it as an aesthetic choice, but understanding the social context makes me see it in a totally new way. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It's through these multilayered conversations that art truly comes alive, doesn’t it?