The Stock Exchange 1904

Joseph Pennell created this etching titled "The Stock Exchange, New York" in 1904. Pennell was an American expatriate, known for his prints of architectural subjects that capture the spirit of modernity. This image presents us with a view of early 20th-century New York, a period of immense economic growth, but also marked by stark social inequalities. We see the imposing architecture of Wall Street, a symbol of American capitalism, looming over a crowd of people. Pennell’s choice to depict the stock exchange—an institution that concentrates wealth and power—invites reflection on the human cost of economic progress. Who benefits from this system, and who is marginalized? Notice the dynamic lines and stark contrasts in the etching, which evoke the frenetic energy of the city. Pennell was celebrated as an interpreter of the modern city, but his work also hints at the anxieties and contradictions of urban life. How does this portrayal of New York resonate with our understanding of its past and present?