Choir of St. Paul's 1885

Curator: This is Joseph Pennell's "Choir of St. Paul's," and it captures the interior grandeur of the cathedral. Editor: The atmosphere is quite somber, almost like a hushed reverence permeates the scene, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. The etching process itself is key here. Pennell masterfully manipulates the acid to create varying depths of shadow and light, lending the image its moody quality. The labor involved in creating the plate, wiping the ink, and the press, it all speaks to the accessibility of printmaking. Editor: I see this as more than just craft. Think about what St. Paul's represents—religious authority, colonial power. Pennell's choice to depict it, and the subtle hints of ordinary people within its space, invites us to consider the relationship between the institution and the individual. Curator: A valid point. Looking closely at the technique and Pennell’s choices adds to our appreciation. Editor: Exactly, it allows us to engage with the cathedral's complex history and its contemporary relevance.