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System of Architectural Ornament, Plate 19, Untitled

A work made of graphite on strathmore paper.

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  • A work made of graphite on strathmore paper.

Date:

1923

Artist:

Louis H. Sullivan
American, 1856-1924

About this artwork

In 1922 a small group of friends and colleagues worked with the Art Institute to commission a series of drawings from Louis Sullivan illustrating his philosophy of architectural ornament. Completed in the last year of his life, this project—an essay and twenty detailed plates—explores Sullivan’s belief that ornament was the consummate expression of the architect’s intellect and creative freedom, ideas that would have a great impact on the next generation of architects in Chicago. This publication is now understood as one of the most influential statements on modern architecture ever produced.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Architecture and Design

Artist

Louis H. Sullivan (Architect)

Title

System of Architectural Ornament, Plate 19, 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 fecit: 6/11/23 Chicago"

Dimensions

57.7 × 73.5 cm (22 3/4 × 29 in.)

Credit Line

Commissioned by The Art Institute of Chicago

Reference Number

1988.15.19

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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