1912
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Laying the Floor of Pedro Muguel Lock is a 1912 ink by Joseph Pennell, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy construction site with a half-built structure in the center. The walls are tall and empty, and a giant crane looms over the top. Below, workers move along a platform, some carrying tools or materials. The lines are rough and sketchy, like a quick study of the scene. The artist focused on the raw, messy energy of building something big. The date in the corner tells us it’s from 1912, but the drawing feels like it could be any time a major project is underway. Next, look up lithography to see how this kind of sketch was made.
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
