Artwork
The Temple of Concord on the Wall, Girgenti
The Temple of Concord on the Wall, Girgenti is an ink print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Temple of Concord on the Wall, Girgenti, is a 1913 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, depicting the ancient Temple of Concord in Agrigento, Sicily, in a state of ruin.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures the temple's deterioration, emphasizing the effects of time on stone structures. The abandoned, overgrown site conveys a sense of neglect and the passage of time.
Technique & Style
Pennell employed lithography to create the work, characteristic of his architectural and landscape-focused practice, influenced by his training and associations with James Lambdin, Thomas Eakins, and James McNeill Whistler.
History & Provenance
Created in 1913 while Pennell worked primarily in Europe, the lithograph reflects his interest in historical and cultural landmarks. Collaborations often involved his wife, Elizabeth Robins, though her direct involvement in this piece is not specified.
Context
Part of Pennell's broader European architectural series, the work sits within a body of art highlighting industrial and historical subjects, popular among early 20th-century artists exploring heritage and decay.
Legacy
As part of Pennell's oeuvre, the lithograph contributes to the early 20th-century artistic dialogue on preserving cultural heritage through art, though its individual impact is more nuanced within the broader context of his extensive output.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
