Early Morning, Miraflores 1912

Joseph Pennell made this etching, Early Morning, Miraflores, with ink on paper, and what strikes me first is its dedication to process. The scratchy lines and varied marks build a sense of energy and industry. I love how the diagonal lines of the train tracks draw you into the scene, full of this incredible construction site. The marks are thick and thin, transparent and opaque, creating a palpable sense of texture and depth, and the smoke stacks coming out of the distance. The artist has really thought about how to describe the light, and the air. It reminds me of Piranesi, with its industrial sublime. The whole thing conveys a feeling of awe, and of course, it’s open to many interpretations. It invites us to contemplate the relationship between progress, labor, and the environment.