From Cortland Street Ferry, New York

Inspired by Whistler’s atmospheric style, Pennell became more experimental and explored a variety of printmaking techniques. In 1919 he published his observations in a book, ‘Etchers and Etching’, describing the key components of etching with technical explanations. This print and The Cliffs of West Street nearby are sandpaper aquatints, a technique similar to etching which creates a tonal effect rather than lines.