Artwork
The Coal Mine
The Coal Mine 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
The Coal Mine is a 1916 lithograph by American artist Joseph Pennell, depicting a nocturnal industrial cityscape dominated by a smoke-emitting factory.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures the juxtaposition of urban life and industrial activity at night, with the factory's illumination drawing attention to the intersection of labor, technology, and daily existence.
Technique & Style
Pennell employed lithography to achieve detailed, realistic renderings of architecture, figures, and atmospheric effects, leveraging the medium's capabilities for texture and depth.
History & Provenance
Created during Pennell's European career, the piece reflects his focus on industrial themes, influenced by studies with James Lambdin, Thomas Eakins, and James McNeill Whistler.
Context
Part of a broader early 20th-century artistic interest in industrialization, The Coal Mine situates Pennell among artists exploring the impact of modern industry on urban landscapes.
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.
