Artwork

The Yosemite Valley

The Yosemite Valley, by Joseph Pennell, ink, 1912
The Yosemite Valley, by Joseph Pennell, ink, 1912

The Yosemite Valley is an ink print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Yosemite Valley is a 1912 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, an American artist known for his landscapes and landmarks.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dense forest with a winding road, conveying a sense of quiet mystery through deep shadows and a rough, cloudy sky. The scene reflects Pennell's interest in natural landscapes, which he often documented through his illustrations.

Technique & Style

Pennell employed a scratchy, uneven line in The Yosemite Valley, characteristic of his lithographic technique. The process involved drawing on stone and transferring the image to paper, allowing for expressive, spontaneous marks.

History & Provenance

Pennell created this work in 1912, during a period when he was influenced by James McNeill Whistler and active in Europe. He collaborated with his wife, Elizabeth Robins, on various projects, including art criticism and travel 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.