Making Propeller Blades 1917

Joseph Pennell created this lithograph titled 'Making Propeller Blades,' which captures the industrial spirit of the early 20th century. Pennell, an American expatriate, was deeply influenced by the rise of industrialism and its impact on society. In this print, we see workers dwarfed by the machinery. The focus on production diminishes the individual. Pennell’s composition reflects a broader socio-economic narrative, positioning the workers almost as cogs within the factory. This representation raises poignant questions about labor, identity, and the human cost of progress. While celebrating industrial prowess, Pennell's work also subtly reveals the challenges and complexities of the time. The grittiness of the lithograph and the stark contrast of light and shadow create an atmosphere that is as emotionally charged as it is visually striking. This print serves as a historical document, inviting us to reflect on how far we've come, and what has been lost.