Artwork
Making Rifles
Making Rifles is an ink print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Making Rifles is a 1917 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, capturing a bustling industrial scene of firearm manufacturing during wartime.
Subject & Meaning
The print focuses on the repetitive, labor-intensive process of rifle production, emphasizing the collective effort of workers over individual identity, as evidenced by the obscured faces and prominence of hands and tools.
Technique & Style
Pennell employed lithography to create a sense of order amidst chaos, using strong lines to depict machinery and workbenches, forming a grid that contrasts with the crowded, dynamic atmosphere of the factory floor.
History & Provenance
Created in 1917, the work reflects Pennell's documentary approach to modern industry, influenced by his training under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins, and his time in Europe, where he was also exposed to the works of James McNeill Whistler.
Context
The piece is set against the backdrop of World War I, highlighting the pivotal role of industrial production in wartime efforts, with flags adorning the walls possibly symbolizing national unity or morale.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
