Artwork
Five O'Clock
Five O'Clock is an ink print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Five O'Clock is a 1916 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, showcasing his expertise in capturing industrial and urban themes.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a bustling train station, with crowds of people and a complex network of tracks, set against the backdrop of a steam-emitting smokestack. The scene conveys the dynamism of modern urban life.
Technique & Style
Pennell's use of quick, scratchy lines creates a sense of movement and immediacy, evoking the feeling of a snapshot. The loose, expressive lines animate the crowded scene, emphasizing the interplay between the figures and the station's metal structures.
History & Provenance
Pennell, influenced by James McNeill Whistler's tonal approach, was a student of James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins. He produced numerous prints documenting industrial activity and landmarks worldwide during this period.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
