Pittsburg, No. II 1909

Joseph Pennell made this etching, Pittsburg, No. II, in 1908, and it’s like he's trying to capture a whole world with just a few lines. It’s a real testament to the power of process, how much you can do with the bare minimum. Look at the way Pennell uses line to create this sense of depth. The etching is full of atmosphere and smoke, achieved through these delicate, almost scribbled lines, that give the whole scene a hazy feel. I love how he creates texture. You can almost feel the grit of the city, the rough edges of the buildings, the sooty residue from the factories. The smoke billows, creating this almost abstract shape that contrasts beautifully with the more defined structures below. There’s a sense of energy, of industry, of life happening, all captured in this monochrome palette. It reminds me of Whistler's etchings of London, that same interest in capturing the atmosphere of a city in flux. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art isn't about perfection, it's about the journey.