The West Front, Amiens
1907
Medium
Etching on blue-gray laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 29.9 × 22.5 cm (11 13/16 × 8 7/8 in.); Sheet: 36.1 × 24.4 cm (14 1/4 × 9 5/8 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
182844
Art Historical Context
Step into the grandeur of Gothic architecture through Joseph Pennell's masterful etching *The West Front, Am* (1907). Pennell, a leading American printmaker of the early 20th century, captured the soaring west facade of Amiens Cathedral in France—one of the largest and most exquisite examples of High Gothic design, completed in the 13th century. This World Heritage site, with its intricate portals, towering spires, and delicate tracery, symbolizes medieval Europe's architectural ambition and spiritual devotion. Printed on blue-gray laid paper, the etching measures nearly 12 by 9 inches and sh...
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 ...