New York Stock Exchange 1923

Joseph Pennell made this print of the New York Stock Exchange without a specific date, using a process of etching, which involves scratching into a metal plate. It feels like he's searching for the form, the way the buildings rise and loom. It's all about the line here. Pennell creates a world of gray, using delicate, precise lines to define the architectural details. Look at the way he renders the columns on the left; each line is carefully placed, yet the overall effect is shimmering. There's a tension between the objective reality of the architecture and the subjective experience of perceiving it. The subtle tonal variations in the sky create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It’s interesting to think about his prints in relation to Whistler, who also explored urban landscapes with a similar sensitivity. I guess art is always in conversation, bouncing ideas off each other across time. There's no one way to see it, just different paths to wander down.