Building a Power House

Joseph Pennell

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an elevated view of a construction site next to a river. In the distance are notable natural and urban features, including a city skyline and a waterfall. The composition has a high horizon line, and the artist uses loose, expressive lines to convey energy. The color palette is monochromatic, in shades of black and gray, creating contrast. The construction area is detailed with scaffolding and work elements, the river flows toward the waterfall, and the background shows a skyline blending into the horizon under a cloudy sky.