Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern Athens, the Mosque 1913

Joseph Pennell made this etching, “Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern Athens, the Mosque,” using a technique that's all about the line. It's pretty incredible how just a few scribbles can conjure a whole city. Look closely, and you can see how the ink sort of gathers in the etched lines, creating tiny shadows that give the image depth. I love how the scratchy lines on the hillside create a sense of texture, and the subtle variations in tone suggest a hazy atmosphere. See the way the lines almost vibrate with energy? It reminds me of how David Hockney uses a similar approach to capture light and space in his etchings. For me, this piece feels like a snapshot of a specific moment, a fleeting impression captured with quick, decisive marks. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always need to be polished or perfect. Sometimes, the raw, imperfect energy of a sketch can be more powerful than a highly detailed painting.