In the Jaws of Death, Rolling Bars for Shells 1916

Joseph Pennell created this lithograph, “In the Jaws of Death, Rolling Bars for Shells,” employing stark contrasts and a dramatic composition. The image plunges us into the depths of an industrial interior, where the looming machinery and shadowy figures evoke a sense of both awe and apprehension. The artist's arrangement of light and dark creates a visual hierarchy, drawing our eyes from the brightly lit ceiling down to the murky floor. The stark chiaroscuro not only emphasizes the scale of the factory but also serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition amidst technological advancement. Here, Pennell destabilizes the traditional notion of progress, presenting industry not as a beacon of hope but as a menacing force. The lithographic technique itself, with its grainy texture and tonal range, reinforces this feeling of unease. Ultimately, the success of the artwork lies in its formal qualities—the composition, the manipulation of light, and the texture—which combine to produce a critical commentary on the industrial era. The artist invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between humanity and the mechanized world.