Philadelphia from League Island 1920

Joseph Pennell created this etching, *Philadelphia from League Island*, to capture the burgeoning industrial landscape of Philadelphia. Pennell, a prominent figure in the etching revival, often depicted scenes of modernity, reflecting the rapid urbanization and industrial growth of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, the delicate lines of the etching contrast sharply with the heavy, smoke-filled sky, evoking the environmental costs of industrial progress. The view from League Island, a site of naval activity, positions the viewer at the edge of both industrial might and military power. Pennell was celebrated for his technical skill and for his role in elevating etching to a respected art form. Yet, he also romanticized industrialization, overlooking the social inequalities exacerbated by these changes. This print invites us to consider the complex relationship between progress, environment, and social equity, prompting reflection on the legacies of industrialization that continue to shape our world.