American Tivoli

Joseph Pennell

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an industrial site with towering waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. The vantage point is elevated, offering a view of the cascading water and industrial buildings on and around the cliffs. The upper line of the cliffs separates the sky and land. The water creates a central vertical element. The style is sketch-like with dynamic, expressive lines, suggesting rapid pencil or charcoal strokes for textural variations. The color palette is limited to black, white, and gray. Foliage near the riverbank is outlined energetically, with buildings and chimneys in the distance emitting smoke.