The Chapter House, Toledo Cathedral c. 1903

This drawing of the Toledo Cathedral, was made by Joseph Pennell. It’s a symphony in charcoal and shadow. Imagine Pennell, his hand moving across the paper, building up layers of velvety darkness to capture the cathedral's imposing interior. You can almost feel the cool, silent grandeur of the space. He uses a range of mark-making. Some smudges and blended areas create depth, while others use sharp lines to define the intricate architectural details. What did Pennell think about when he made this? Maybe he wanted to be both faithful to the scene and interpret it creatively. I wonder if he saw himself as part of a lineage of artists trying to capture the essence of such monumental spaces? Because this piece certainly speaks to a tradition, where artists explore space and form in their work. Ultimately, an artwork is a conversation across time, echoing and responding to what has come before.