Printmaker Biographies

Joseph Pennell

(1857–1926)

“Wren’s City” by Joseph Pennell

Joseph Pennell was an American artist, author, and teacher known for his intricate etchings and lithographs, particularly those depicting urban landscapes and industrial scenes.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Pennell studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later worked as an illustrator for magazines and books.

Pennell’s printmaking career took off after he moved to Europe in the 1880s, where he created a series of etchings featuring cities such as London, Venice, and Paris. His ability to capture architectural grandeur and atmospheric effects made him one of the most sought-after printmakers of his time.

A close friend and biographer of James McNeill Whistler, Pennell shared Whistler’s appreciation for the expressive possibilities of printmaking. His work often focused on the interplay of light and shadow, using drypoint to add depth and texture to his compositions. Pennell also chronicled the rapid industrialization of the early 20th century, producing iconic prints of factories, bridges, and railways that celebrated the modern age.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Pennell was a prolific writer and teacher, advocating for printmaking as a vital art form. His legacy endures as a pioneer of modern American printmaking.