Artwork

The Old Shipyard

The Old Shipyard, by Joseph Pennell, ink, 1916
The Old Shipyard, by Joseph Pennell, ink, 1916

The Old Shipyard 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 Old Shipyard is a 1916 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, an artist known for his work in various mediums, including drawing, etching, and lithography.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling shipyard scene, capturing the chaos of industrial activity with loose, rapid lines. Pennell's focus is on the process of shipbuilding, highlighting the clutter and disorder of the workspace rather than the finished vessels.

Technique & Style

Pennell's style in The Old Shipyard is characterized by quick, expressive lines, conveying a sense of immediacy and capturing a moment in time. The lithograph's loose, sketch-like quality reflects Pennell's skill as a draftsman and his experience with printmaking techniques.

History & Provenance

Pennell created The Old Shipyard in 1916, during a period when he was documenting industrial and urban landscapes. His artistic training included study under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins, and he was later influenced by James McNeill Whistler.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joseph Pennell

Artist

Joseph Pennell

Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.