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System of Architectural Ornament, Plate 18, Untitled

A detailed graphite drawing of an ornate architectural pattern consisting of repeated geometric and organic shapes.

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  • A detailed graphite drawing of an ornate architectural pattern consisting of repeated geometric and organic shapes.

Date:

1923

Artist:

Louis H. Sullivan
American, 1856-1924

About this artwork

In 1922 a small group of friends and colleagues worked with Art Institute staff to commission Louis Sullivan to produce a series of drawings illustrating his philosophy of architec- tural ornament. Completed in the last year of his life, this project—an essay and 20 detailed plates—outlines Sullivan’s belief that ornament was the consummate expression of a designer’s intellect and creative freedom. These ideas greatly influenced the next generation of architects in Chicago, and the publication is now recognized as one of the most important statements on modern architecture.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Architecture and Design

Artist

Louis H. Sullivan (Architect)

Title

System of Architectural Ornament, Plate 18, Untitled

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1923

Medium

Graphite on Strathmore paper

Inscriptions

Signed and dated at bottom right of design, "Louis H Sullivan Arch / Chicago: May 15th 1923"

Dimensions

57.7 × 73.5 cm (22 3/4 × 29 in.)

Credit Line

Commissioned by The Art Institute of Chicago

Reference Number

1988.15.18

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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