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19th c. Chicago Stock Exchange Building Molding Fragment Architectural Element

About the Item

A rare and important hand painted plaster decorative molding fragment, by Louis H. Sullivan (American, 1856-1924), from the interior of the Chicago Stock Exchange, circa 1893-1894. This 19th century architectural salvaged ornamental frieze was designed by distinguished architecture firm Adler & Sullivan. Collected when the Chicago Stock Exchange was demolished in 1972. Placed on a desk, console table or shelf, this exceptionally rare sculptural building element makes for a wonderful decorative object, gift for any financial, business or historical artifact collector, or simply displayed as a interesting conversation piece. Provenance: Property from an Important American Collection Acquisition: Heritage Auction, Dallas, Texas. Fine & Decorative Arts Showcase Auction, 2021, catalog #13172 Dimensions: (approx) 10.5" Wide, 2" High, 1.5" Deep History: Louis H. Sullivan (American, 1856-1924) Dankmar Adler (German born, 1844–1900) Louis Sullivan holds a unique position in the history American architecture, not only for his accomplishments as a builder, but also for casting a long shadow of influence over many of the leading proponents of modernism, many through the figure of Frank Lloyd Wright whom he mentored early in his career. Often called a "father of skyscrapers" and "father of modernism", among his major accomplishments were several buildings, most notably, the Chicago Stock Exchange, built in 1893 at a time when Chicago hosted the World's Fair and became known on a more international scale. Sullivan guided the overall design of the project, working with his business partner Dankmer Adler, and they created a masterpiece of intricate detail from the floor to the ceiling, following Sullivan's concept of organic ornamentation. The trading room of the Stock Exchange was a particularly significant space, and Sullivan conceived of oil painted stencils to line the walls in order to give depth of color and space through use of complex Celtic revival patterns. The building was demolished in 1972 and many of the works were salvaged and are today represented in important public collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Art Institute, Chicago and the Seattle Art Museum among others. The largest of the stencils in this sale was formerly in the collection of the Art Institute. Other works from the collection include works from other remarkable Sullivan and Adler buildings, though the focal point, are rare works from the Chicago Stock Exchange, their most important achievement. Dankmar Adler was a world renowned German born American architect and civil engineer. He is best known for his fifteen-year partnership with Louis Sullivan, during which they designed influential skyscrapers that boldly addressed their steel skeleton through their exterior design: the Wainwright Building in St. Louis, Missouri (1891), the Chicago Stock Exchange Building (1894), and the Guaranty Building in Buffalo, New York (1896). Condition: Good condition overall. Various segments, all presents well, with nicely aged patina, desirable rich antique character including some minor scuffs or scratches, scattered flakes or chips, rubbing, flaking to painted surface, some with previous repairs, fills in areas, otherwise good, all wear commensurate with age.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Style:
    Industrial (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paint,Plaster,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
    United States
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1894
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Presents well, with nicely aged patina, desirable rich antique character including some minor scuffs or scratches, scattered flakes or chips, rubbing, flaking to painted surface, some with previous repairs, fills in areas, commensurate with age.
  • Seller Location:
    Forney, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5977226683252