The Brass Foundry 1881

Joseph Pennell created this print, “The Brass Foundry,” using etching, a process involving acid to cut into a metal plate. Pennell was an American expatriate, meaning that he lived outside of the United States, mostly in London. This image captures a grimy industrial scene, likely in England. The narrow street, towering buildings, and the figure of a working woman all speak to the realities of urban life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pennell's choice of subject reflects a broader artistic interest in depicting modern life and the working class. You can see the influence of artists like James McNeill Whistler, who also captured the gritty beauty of industrial landscapes. To understand this image better, we might look into the history of industry in London, the role of women in the workforce, and the art criticism of the time. Pennell was self-consciously progressive in his art, and prints like this challenged the art establishment. The print is a reminder that art is always shaped by the social and institutional context in which it is made.