Street of Stairs 1883

Joseph Pennell made this etching called 'Street of Stairs.' Pennell, who lived from 1857 to 1926, was an American etcher, lithographer, and illustrator who traveled widely, documenting the changing urban landscape. Here, the steep perspective emphasizes the verticality and depth of the urban space, while the presence of figures animates the scene, inviting viewers to imagine themselves within it. The figures in Pennell's urban scenes are often anonymous, reflecting the alienation and anonymity of modern city life. The architecture itself becomes a character, bearing witness to the lives and histories of those who inhabit it. Pennell's images captured a sense of place and atmosphere, reflecting both the grandeur and the grit of the modern metropolis. The artist's technique, with its emphasis on line and shadow, adds to the dramatic effect, suggesting the dynamic energy of the city. Through his atmospheric presentation of light and shadow, we are left with a sense of the emotional landscape of the city.