Who painted The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts?

The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts was painted by Joseph Pennell in 1916.

Where can I see The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts?

The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts?

Museum-quality prints of The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts

Joseph Pennell , 1916

The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts is an ink print by Joseph Pennell. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Shops at Night, Changing Shifts is a 1916 lithograph by Joseph Pennell, an artist known for his work in etching, lithography, and illustration. The print captures a nighttime scene in an urban setting.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a quiet street at night, with a lamppost casting a faint glow. Workers are transitioning, with some leaving shops while others remain inside, suggesting a shift change in an industrial or commercial context.

Technique & Style

Pennell employed rough, scratchy lines to convey shadows and textures, lending the image a sketch-like quality. The contrast between the lamppost's light and the surrounding darkness creates a sense of mystery.

History & Provenance

Pennell was influenced by notable artists such as James McNeill Whistler and trained under James Lambdin and Thomas Eakins. He spent much of his career in Europe, focusing on industrial and urban themes.