Artwork
Forging Shells, The Slaves of the Wheel
Forging Shells, The Slaves of the Wheel is an ink print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Forging Shells, The Slaves of the Wheel is a 1917 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, an American artist known for his industrial scenes and landscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a crowded, dimly lit room where workers labor around a large wheel, likely shaping metal. The scene conveys a sense of hardship and urgency, with the workers' bent figures and the rough, heavy environment.
Technique & Style
Pennell employed a rough, sketchy style to create a gritty atmosphere, emphasizing the workers and the wheel through the use of dim lighting. The lithograph's black-and-white palette adds to the sense of urgency and hardship.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
