Doorway for initial W- Commencement of Article c. 1884

Joseph Pennell made this drawing, "Doorway for initial W- Commencement of Article", using graphite on paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the artist has meticulously rendered the architectural details of a doorway, setting it alongside the letter 'W', almost as if the two are merging. Graphite, essentially pencil lead, is an interesting material. Think about how Pennell coaxed such detailed imagery from such a humble medium. The texture of the paper supports the graphite allowing it to leave its mark on the page. You can see a range of tonal variations, creating depth and shadow, which suggests a skilled hand at work, coaxing out the full potential of the graphite. This drawing offers a peek into the world of early 20th-century illustration. It reminds us that before digital design, everything was meticulously crafted by hand. Pennell’s focus on materials, like graphite and paper, and his mastery of drawing techniques elevates this illustration beyond mere utility, blurring the line between commercial art and fine art.