Fourth Avenue

Joseph Pennell

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an urban cityscape with tall buildings on both sides of a street. The perspective leads the eye towards a bright light source in the distance. There is no visible horizon line, and the buildings frame a path leading to the light. The buildings are textured with brushstrokes, giving a sense of depth. The color palette is monochromatic with varying shades of gray. Tiny figures and a streetcar are visible nearby, providing scale. Architecture and activity add complexity, while the contrast between light and shadow guides the eye toward the end of the street.