The Foundation, New York
Print, specifically a lithograph on paper • Joseph Pennell (1857–1926), an American artist and author known for his etchings and lithographs of industrial and urban subjects.
Style & Movement
American Realism / Tonalism; highly influenced by the 'Wonder of Work' series which documented the changing urban landscapes of the early 20th century.
Medium & Technique
Lithography utilizing lithographic crayon and tusche to replicate the effects of a chalk drawing; techniques include hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling to create atmospheric perspective.
Creation Period
1910 (as indicated by the artist's date inscription in the lower-left corner)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 12 inches (image size); vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A vertical composition depicting the construction of a skyscraper in Lower Manhattan. The foreground shows a busy construction site with steel girders and cranes (derricks), while the background features the Bankers Trust Building (14 Wall Street) and the facade of the New York Stock Exchange to the right. The image captures the 'canyon' effect of New York City streets.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. The print shows evidence of handling, with visible creasing, toning of the paper, and slight waviness (cockling) at the edges.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a fine art dealer or print gallery; features a pencil signature 'Jo Pennell' in the lower center margin and a title inscription 'The Foundations New York' by a later hand or the artist.
Art Historical Significance
Pennell was a protégé of James McNeill Whistler and an important figure in the Etching Revival. This work is significant for its early 20th-century documentation of New York's vertical expansion and the artist's ability to imbue industrial labor with a sense of monumental, romantic grandeur.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive monogram and date (1910) in the lower left of the plate; the pencil signature indicates an authorized artist's proof or part of a signed edition rather than a posthumous restrike.
Condition Issues
Visible vertical creases, edge tears in the margins, general paper discoloration (acidic mat burn), and silverfish damage or foxing may be present upon closer inspection. The top edge appears slightly irregular.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning and deacidification by a paper conservator; archival mounting using acid-free materials and UV-protective glazing to prevent further fading and toning.