• Reading Public Museum
    Open 11a-5p DailyAdmission
  • Neag Planetarium
    Show ScheduleAdmission
  • Arboretum
    Open everyday from sunrise to sunset
Collections Menu

Caissons on Vesey Street

Caissons on Vesey Street

Artist: Joseph Pennell (American, 1857 - 1926)

Date: 1921
Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions:
Framed: 21 7/8 x 16 7/8 x 3/4 in. (55.6 x 42.9 x 1.9 cm)
Sheet: 15 7/8 x 10 5/16 in. (40.3 x 26.2 cm)
Image: 13 7/8 x 9 3/8 in. (35.2 x 23.8 cm)
Credit Line:Gift, Edwin DeTurck Bechtel in memory of Dr. Levi W. Mengel
Object number: 1944.146.1

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.

In Collection(s)