Plazza del Comune, Pistoia

1883

Joseph Pennell

Associated Names
Joseph Pennell

Artist, American, 1857 - 1926

The image shows a large stone building with arched entrances forming a horizontal line about a third from the top of the composition. The building's facade features repeated arch patterns and rectangular windows with balconies above. Several figures are scattered across an expansive open space; one person is mounted on a horse, while others stand in small groups or interact in pairs. The technique used involves fine, etched lines of varying density to create depth and texture in the building and figures. The color palette is monochromatic, dominated by shades of brown and sepia, giving the image an antique, slightly faded appearance that enhances its classic and historical feel.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint in black on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Mary E. Maxwell Fund)

  • Dimensions

    plate: 24.29 × 22.7 cm (9 9/16 × 8 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 43.18 × 30.8 cm (17 × 12 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.19.302

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Wuerth 1988, no. 76


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1927; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1990

  • Haden, Whistler, Pennell: Three Master Printmakers in the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1990, no. 81

Bibliography

1988

  • Wuerth, Louis A. Catalogue of the Etchings of Joseph Pennell. San Francisco, CA: Alan Wofsy Fine Art, 1988, p. 27, no. 76.

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: Palazzo del Comune / Pistoia; lower right in graphite: Joseph Pennell / Roma; lower left verso in graphite by unknown hand: P.2324

Wikidata ID

Q77008825

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