Artwork
Shaping a Gun from an Ingot
Shaping a Gun from an Ingot 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
Created in 1917, *Shaping a Gun from an Ingot* is a lithographic print by American artist Joseph Pennell. Pennell, active as a draftsman, etcher, and illustrator, is noted for his depictions of industrial environments. The work captures a moment within a metal‑working workshop, emphasizing the physical process of turning raw metal into a firearm component.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a laborer handling a glowing ingot, surrounded by hammers, tongs, and a partially formed gun barrel. By presenting the workshop’s clutter and the intense activity, the image reflects Pennell’s interest in the mechanics of manufacturing and the human effort embedded in early twentieth‑century industrial production.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the print employs loose, sketch‑like lines that convey immediacy and texture. Smudged shadows and rough contours suggest the heat and grime of the forge, while the rapid handling of the medium gives the scene a documentary quality, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a candid observation of the worksite.
History & Provenance
Pennell produced the print during a period when he was deeply engaged with European industrial subjects, having studied under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins and later absorbing influences from James McNeill Whistler. The work forms part of his broader series documenting manufacturing processes, and it remains in the holdings of several American museum collections.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
