Lincoln Memorial

Joseph Pennell’s painting titled "Lincoln Memorial" presents a distinctive, somewhat impressionistic view of the famed landmark. Rather than focusing solely on the memorial itself, Pennell chooses to depict it as part of a broader, lush landscape, communicating a sense of place and environment.The foreground is dominated by thick, vibrant foliage, with various tones of green suggesting the liveliness and density of the vegetation. The trees and bushes appear untamed and flourishing, adding an organic texture to the scene. This natural frame leads the viewer's eye towards the middle ground, where colorful, somewhat abstract representations of buildings emerge. These structures, rendered in shades of red and brown, contrast with the natural tones of the greenery, suggesting a human footprint in the natural landscape.In the background, painted in a pale, almost ethereal white, the Lincoln Memorial itself is visible. It seems distant and slightly obscured, perhaps indicating the grandeur and solemnity of the monument, making it appear as an integral, yet not overbearing part of the Washington, D.C. landscape. The sky above is light, with gentle washes of blue and white, suggesting either an early morning or a late afternoon setting, enhancing the tranquil and historic atmosphere of the scene.Overall, Pennell's choice to depict the Lincoln Memorial surrounded by intense nature and everyday life introduces a multidimensional perspective on this iconic landmark, emphasizing its harmonious existence within both the urban and natural environments of the capital city.