1916
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Great Hammer is a 1916 ink by Joseph Pennell, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy construction site with heavy metal beams crisscrossing above. Workers in the foreground handle long pipes and tools, while a large hammer hangs prominently near the center. The background has a half-built structure with arched openings, and scaffolding clings to the walls. The artist focused on the raw energy of building—every line feels urgent, like the scene was drawn in one quick look. The title *The Great Hammer* hints this tool might symbolize something bigger than just construction. Next, check out lithography to see how this print was made.
Joseph Pennell (July 4, 1857 – April 23, 1926) was an American draftsman, etcher, lithographer, and illustrator for books and magazines.
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