Caissons on Vesey Street

Born in Philadelphia, Pennell became best known for his illustrations and etchings, a process he began in the late 1870s. He completed over 1800 etchings and lithographs, executed primarily in Europe before 1917. His style was deeply influenced by Whistler and the etching revival of the nineteenth century.

This view of Lower Manhattan from the early 1920s is typical of Pennell’s interest in atmosphere and line. The etching depicts the construction of the New York Telephone building, known at the time as the Barclay-Vesey Building, which was completed in 1926. The Woolworth Building can be seen in the background. This early art deco edifice was heavily damaged on September 11, 2001 and has since been restored.