Artwork

Old and New Mills, Valenciennes, France

Old and New Mills, Valenciennes, France, by Joseph Pennell, 1910
Old and New Mills, Valenciennes, France, by Joseph Pennell, 1910

Old and New Mills, Valenciennes, France is a print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Old and New Mills, Valenciennes, France is a 1910 print by American artist Joseph Pennell, showcasing the contrast between traditional and industrial landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a windmill in the foreground and a factory emitting smoke in the background, set against a cloudy sky, highlighting the juxtaposition of old and new industrial forms.

Technique & Style

Pennell employed a range of tones to convey depth and atmosphere, using warm earthy colors for the windmill and cooler tones for the factory, creating a sense of tension between the two.

History & Provenance

Created in 1910, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Pennell's interest in documenting industrial and architectural environments during his time in Europe.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joseph Pennell

Artist

Joseph Pennell

Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.