Gun Pit, No.II 1917

Joseph Pennell made this print called 'Gun Pit, No.II' sometime between his birth in 1857 and death in 1926. Pennell’s print is all about mark-making, scribbles, and textures that create an immersive scene. I can almost imagine Pennell sketching furiously in situ, grappling with the scale and intensity of the gun pit. The print teems with energy as he renders the immensity of the space and the labor involved. Looking at the sharp angles and the contrasts between light and shadow, I wonder if he was thinking about the war, the industrial revolution, or something else? There’s a real sense of ambiguity in this image, isn’t there? The rough handling of the medium suggests an emotional response. I like to think that Pennell's print captures a moment, preserves a feeling. It’s like he’s inviting us to bring our own experiences and understandings.