West Door, St. Paul's 1903

Joseph Pennell made this etching, titled "West Door, St. Paul's," using black ink on paper. Pennell was an American expatriate who lived and worked in London for years. His body of work often depicted the architectural and industrial landscape of Europe and the United States. The print captures a view of people passing through the grand entrance of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The stark contrast between light and shadow and the almost photorealistic approach that he employs, creates an emotionally charged atmosphere. Pennell did not shy away from the rapidly changing world; he embraced modernity, and captured its essence in his art. Consider the era in which Pennell created this work, a time when cities were undergoing rapid transformation and industrialization. Pennell's work invites us to reflect on the intersection of progress, tradition, and the human experience within these evolving urban landscapes.