Artwork
The Times Building
The Times Building is an ink print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Joseph Pennell’s 1904 lithograph, titled The Times Building, presents a New York street scene from a low viewpoint. Rendered in black on wove paper, the image captures the density of an urban corner, with towering façades, a horse‑drawn carriage and pedestrians moving beneath them.
Subject & Meaning
The composition emphasizes the vertical thrust of early‑twentieth‑century architecture, suggesting the dynamism of city life. By placing the viewer at street level, Pennell invites attention to the interplay of built form and everyday activity, underscoring the relationship between architecture and the flow of people.
Technique & Style
Pennell employed lithography, drawing directly on a stone surface with greasy crayons. The medium allowed him to render a range of gray tones, from delicate washes to sharper lines, creating atmospheric depth that suggests fog or haze while preserving architectural detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1904, the print reflects Pennell’s interest in documenting American urban environments. It was produced as a single‑color edition on wove paper, a common practice for his commercial and fine‑art prints of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
