Knightsbridge 1906

Joseph Pennell made this image of Knightsbridge with etching. The artist must have been thinking about the city, its scale and bustle when he made this piece. I can imagine him on location with his etching plate, rapidly taking down what he sees. The surface of the image has a real sense of atmosphere and airiness. Light seems to bounce off the buildings, which are drawn with strong lines. The dark lines create depth so you can see how busy the street is with horse drawn carriages and pedestrians. Pennell was clearly interested in cityscapes and architecture; this image reminds me of Piranesi's etchings of Rome. I think the conversation between artists like Pennell and those from earlier generations is one of the things that makes art so exciting! The way he has captured this slice of city life is just so evocative.