Acro-Corinth from Corinth 1913

Joseph Pennell made this print, Acro-Corinth from Corinth, by incising lines onto a metal plate. Looking at the dense network of lines, I imagine the artist carefully scraping away at the surface, coaxing this ancient scene into being. The monochrome palette feels old-world, steeped in history and atmosphere. I wonder what Pennell was thinking as he rendered those crumbling columns and the imposing mountain backdrop. Did he feel a sense of awe, a connection to the past? You can see how each stroke of his tool builds up the texture and volume, creating a palpable sense of depth and space. The weight of the architecture is contrasted with the ephemerality of the sky. The image reminds me of Piranesi’s architectural prints, these incredible, impossible structures. Artists are always in conversation with each other, across time, drawing inspiration and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Ultimately, this print celebrates how art allows us to look back and find new ways of seeing.