1917
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Building Destroyers is a 1917 ink by Joseph Pennell, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy shipyard with two large ships under construction. Cranes loom over the hulls, and workers are scattered around the decks. The lines are loose and quick, like a hurried note of what’s happening. The artist focused on the raw energy of building ships—no smooth details, just the messy reality of metal and labor. The ships look like they’re still growing, half-finished. Want to see more of this artist’s work? Check out Pennell, Joseph.
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
See the richer artist page
