Who created "The Approach to Gatun Lock"?

The Approach to Gatun Lock was created by Joseph Pennell in 1912.

What medium is "The Approach to Gatun Lock"?

The Approach to Gatun Lock is lithograph.

Is "The Approach to Gatun Lock" in the public domain?

Yes, The Approach to Gatun Lock is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

The Approach to Gatun Lock

Joseph Pennell

1912

Medium

lithograph

Classification

Department

CG-W

Museum

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Credit

Gift of Miss Elisabeth Achelis

Accession Number

1942.6.58

Art Historical Context

Joseph Pennell's *The Approach to Gatun* (1912) captures a pivotal moment in one of the 20th century's greatest engineering triumphs: the construction of the Panama Canal. ships neared the massive Gatun Locks—the world's largest then, designed to lift vessels 85 feet above sea level—this lithograph depicts the monumental scale of human ambition amid the tropical landscape. Pennell, a leading American printmaker and illustrator known for his dramatic renderings of industrial marvels, documented the canal's progress during its U.S.-led phase (1904–1914), highlighting America's emergence as a glo...

About the Artist

Joseph Pennell · 1857–1926

Joseph Pennell (1857–1926) was born in Philadelphia to Quaker parents and displayed an early aptitude for drawing, finding solace in sketching amid a challenging childhood. He received initial drawing instruction from James R. Lambdin and his first etching lessons from Stephen Ferris in 1879. Pennell attended night classes at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art before studying at ...

The Approach to Gatun Lock

Send Feedback