The Presses
1916
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1916
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Presses is a 1916 ink by Joseph Pennell, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy, dimly lit room packed with printing machines and workers. The machines dominate the center, with long tables and heavy gears under harsh light. People stand, sit, or crouch around them, some holding tools or papers, while others seem to be operating the presses. The walls are lined with windows, letting in a little light, and the whole scene feels crowded and active. The artist focused on the messy, industrial side of printing—ink splatters, tangled wires, and the physical effort of the workers. It’s not polished; the lines are rough, like a quick sketch capturing a moment of real work. Want to see more of this style? Check out lithography.
