Paestum, Evening 1913

Joseph Pennell created this drawing, Paestum, Evening, using graphite on paper. Graphite, a form of carbon, is a humble material, yet here it's used to capture the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture in Italy. Look closely and you'll see how Pennell's marks build up the image. He uses dense, layered strokes to create the temple’s shadowy form, contrasting with the lighter, sketchier strokes that define the surrounding landscape. The weight of the graphite gives the temple a sense of monumentality, while the softness evokes the fading light of evening. Drawing, especially with graphite, has a long history as a tool for both artistic expression and documentation. Pennell was celebrated as a master of lithography and etching as well, and was known for his images of architecture and industrial scenes. In this drawing, he engages with a tradition of artists who sought to capture the essence of classical beauty. By focusing on process and material, we appreciate how the artist uses simple means to convey a powerful sense of place and time.