1916
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Big Bug is a 1916 ink by Joseph Pennell, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a strange, boxy airplane with big spinning fans inside a dim, cluttered hangar. The wings stick out awkwardly, and the plane’s front looks like a rounded helmet. In the background, a few small figures stand near other planes, but the focus is clearly on this odd machine. The artist drew it in 1916, when airplanes were still new and experimental. The sketch feels rushed, like a quick idea captured in ink. 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.
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