Who painted English War Work: Bringing in the Gun?

English War Work: Bringing in the Gun was painted by Joseph Pennell in 1916.

Where can I see English War Work: Bringing in the Gun?

English War Work: Bringing in the Gun is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of English War Work: Bringing in the Gun?

Museum-quality prints of English War Work: Bringing in the Gun are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

English War Work: Bringing in the Gun

Joseph Pennell , 1916

English War Work: Bringing in the Gun is a print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1921.528
Credit line: Gift of Salmon P. Halle

About this work

Overview

English War Work: Bringing in the Gun is a 1916 print by Joseph Pennell, depicting a bustling shipyard scene in black and white. The artwork highlights the industrial activity of preparing ships for war.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the intense war effort in a shipyard, with cranes loading heavy equipment onto a vessel amidst a backdrop of buildings and machinery. The scene conveys the chaos and energy of wartime industrial production.

Technique & Style

Pennell employed quick, loose strokes and chiaroscuro, leveraging strong contrasts of light and shadow to create a dramatic, dynamic atmosphere. The rough, sketchy lines and smudges add to the overall sense of industrial darkness.

History & Provenance

Created in 1916 by American artist Joseph Pennell, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Pennell's style was influenced by James McNeill Whistler and shaped by his training under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins.