1916
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Great Tower: Pig-Iron is a 1916 ink by Joseph Pennell, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy factory floor with tall metal beams and machinery. Workers in dark clothes move between long tables covered in metal sheets. A crane hangs overhead, and the space feels crowded with activity. The drawing is mostly in black and white, with quick, rough lines. The artist focused on the chaos of industry—everyone and everything seems in motion. The title hints this might be about making iron, but the sketch itself is more about the energy of the place. Want to see more of this artist’s work? Look up 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
