Brasserie, Au Lion Rouge 1893

Joseph Pennell created "Brasserie, Au Lion Rouge" as an etching. Pennell was an American expatriate who lived and worked in Europe and he was known for his etchings of urban landscapes. This print offers a glimpse into Parisian cafe culture. It illustrates the brasserie as a social space, bustling with activity as people gather to eat and drink. Pennell does not romanticize the scene. Instead, he realistically captures the gritty urban environment. The image is a representation of the society that frequents such establishments and how they interact. Pennell's choice of subject reflects the cultural and social dynamics of his time. He highlights everyday life, moving away from traditional, idealized representations of art. The print invites us to reflect on the cultural significance of social spaces and the ordinary moments that shape community and individual identity.