Wren's City 1909

Joseph Pennell made this etching, Wren’s City, using a plate and sheet of paper. The tones are beautifully modulated. It's amazing how the etched line can create such a range of darks and lights. I love how the city emerges from the gloom, the spires and dome of St. Paul's Cathedral looming in the distance. Pennell’s lines are not overly descriptive, but he seems to suggest an atmosphere. In the foreground, the arches of the bridge provide a frame for the river, with a boat sailing through one of the openings. It is a scene of subtle tonal variation, where light and shadow interplay to create a sense of depth and mystery. It reminds me of Whistler's nocturnes, where the city becomes a dreamscape. Ultimately, the beauty of this piece lies in its ability to suggest more than it shows.