State Buildings 1912

Joseph Pennell made this lithograph, “State Buildings,” in the United States, probably in the early 20th century. Pennell often made images of architectural monuments, and these were typically viewed as testaments to progress. However, there is a clear interest here in the relationship between people and monumental spaces. The eye is drawn to the human figures in the foreground, with the State Buildings looming in the background. Pennell seems to be interested in the human scale of the buildings – how people move around and inhabit these spaces. Does this image comment on the way the government serves the people? Is it about national pride? It may be useful to consult archives, newspapers, and political pamphlets from the period. These help historians understand the cultural role of images like this one. We can better understand how institutions shape both the production and reception of art.