Artwork

The Wine-Dark Sea, Sunium

The Wine-Dark Sea, Sunium, by Joseph Pennell, ink, 1913
The Wine-Dark Sea, Sunium, by Joseph Pennell, ink, 1913

The Wine-Dark Sea, Sunium 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

If you're interested in learning more about this style of art, you might want to explore the work of Joseph Pennell, the artist behind this piece.

This image shows a lithograph titled "The Wine-Dark Sea, Sunium" by Joseph Pennell, created in 1913. The scene depicts a rugged, rocky landscape with a body of water in the distance. The rocks are rendered in various shades of gray, with some areas appearing lighter or darker than others. In the foreground, the rocks are more detailed, while the background is softer and more muted.

The artist's use of lithography creates a sense of texture and depth in the image. The overall effect is one of serenity and calmness, inviting the viewer to contemplate the natural beauty of the scene.

If you're interested in learning more about this style of art, you might want to explore the work of Joseph Pennell, the artist behind this piece.

Overview

The Wine-Dark Sea, Sunium is a 1913 lithograph by American artist Joseph Pennell, known for his landscapes and industrial scenes. The work showcases Pennell's skill in capturing natural beauty through printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a rugged landscape near Sunium, a site steeped in ancient Greek history, with a body of water in the distance. The scene's serenity invites contemplation of the natural world.

Technique & Style

Pennell's use of lithography creates a textured, nuanced image with varying shades of gray. The foreground is detailed, while the background is softer, achieving a sense of depth.

History & Provenance

Pennell, influenced by James McNeill Whistler and trained under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins, spent much of his career in Europe, often collaborating with his wife Elizabeth Robins on art-related writing.

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.