Artwork preview

Dinner Time, Gatun Lock

Joseph Pennell

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a wide canal or construction trench viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon line is high in the image, emphasizing the depth of the trench and showing a vast landscape beyond with a suggestion of water and sky in the distance. Several large cranes are positioned along the edges of the trench, casting lines and shadows. The brushstrokes are sketch-like with dark shades to convey depth and texture, giving an impression of movement, especially in the swirling smoke rising from machinery inside the trench. The color palette is monochromatic, using black and white to emphasize contrast and detail, creating a dramatic effect. Near the right edge, figures and equipment are visible, enhancing the scale and activity.

Artwork Details

Date
1912
Medium
lithograph in black
Dimensions
3900 × 3098 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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