Artwork
The Keel
The Keel 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
The Keel is a 1917 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, an American artist known for his prints and illustrations of urban and industrial scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a shipyard scene, capturing the dynamic energy of ship construction with loose, expressive lines and shading that conveys depth and texture.
Technique & Style
Pennell's lithograph showcases his skill in rendering complex scenes with rapid, gestural marks, prioritizing the capture of movement and activity over precise detail.
History & Provenance
Pennell, influenced by James McNeill Whistler and trained under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins, spent much of his career in Europe, where he developed his expertise in etching, lithography, and drawing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
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