Building the Battleship

Joseph Pennell

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a ship under construction in a shipyard. The scene features a large, partially completed ship situated in a dry dock, surrounded by a complex framework of scaffolding and cranes. Overhead, a crane is visible. The drawing emphasizes the industrial setting, with detailed rendering of the ship's hull and surrounding structures, showcasing the scale and intricacy of the shipyard environment. The use of shading and lines gives the drawing depth and texture, highlighting the massive scale and complexity of the shipbuilding process.