Artwork
The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts
The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts 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 Shops at Night, Changing Shifts is a 1916 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, an artist known for his work in etching, lithography, and illustration. The print captures a nighttime scene in an urban setting.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a quiet street at night, with a lamppost casting a faint glow. Workers are transitioning, with some leaving shops while others remain inside, suggesting a shift change in an industrial or commercial context.
Technique & Style
Pennell employed rough, scratchy lines to convey shadows and textures, lending the image a sketch-like quality. The contrast between the lamppost's light and the surrounding darkness creates a sense of mystery.
History & Provenance
Pennell was influenced by notable artists such as James McNeill Whistler and trained under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins. He spent much of his career in Europe, focusing on industrial and urban themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
