American Tivoli 1910

Joseph Pennell made this drawing of Niagara, with graphite on paper. What a scene! Look at the upper part of the drawing: you see lots of buildings from the industrial revolution. It’s like Pennell is saying, “Hey, here’s progress,” right above a natural wonder! I imagine Pennell, in his late 50’s, drawing away at the site, trying to get it all in, thinking about J.M.W. Turner’s take on industry versus nature. Did Pennell wonder if he could channel Turner’s energy? You can see the buildings and chimneys spewing smoke. The falls are captured with these great, long vertical strokes that suggest movement. It's like nature versus machine. I am struck by this contrast of soft, flowing water right next to harsh buildings. It’s a total conversation between the man-made and the natural.