Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan

Very good overall condition. The bronzed elements with mottled tones and some surface and patina irregularities as expected from age and use. The upper grilles with some minor reductions to the outer ends which are not evident as they are behind the side panels and are not visible and this do not detract. The side panels with some drilled holes and surface reductions (at the top) which are visible in the catalogue illustration. These holes were to accommodate the elevator call buttons and the various lighting fixtures applied over the years they were in use. One of the cast upper plates has some chipping near the join at one corner and two screw holes which are evident in the catalogue illustration. The grilles with some bending to elements as expected which do not detract due to the complexity of the geometric composition. Some of the orbs have been restored and others replaced and the patina has been retouched throughout to give the grilles a cohesive clean appearance. The T-plate mounted to the center grille has two screw holes to the upper left side which are evident in the catalogue detail. The elements are fitted with modern black painted steel brackets to safely mount them. Additional dimensions: Side panels 177 x 14 in. Upper panels 18 x 67 ½ in. Cornice grilles 14 ¾ x 67 ½ in. Four pilasters 84 x 2 ¾ in. Two side grilles 73 ½ x 30 ½ in. Central grille 73 ½ x 59 ½ in. T-plate 16 x 16 ¾ in. Side base plates 10 ¼ x 30 ½ in. Central base plate 10 ¼ x 59 ½ in.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Louis Sullivan has been called the "father of modern architecture" and his edict that "form follows function" was the rallying cry at a time when the advent of modern, cheaper steel was pushing urban buildings skyward.  The Chicago Stock Exchange arose during a boom time for the firm of Adler & Sullivan and encapsulates Sullivan's concepts regarding a light and modern functional space. However, it also reflects an adherence to ornament that would separate him from the following generation that would take his revolutionary concepts and strip them of adornment to create a truly International Style.

Upon first inspection, the geometric nature of the elevator grilles appear as atoms in a futuristic assemblage. To Sullivan they represented stylized seedpods and are part of the total foliate decorative scheme found in every aspect of the structure.  The present elevator enclosure is a rare offering, composed of elements from the elevators located on the third to thirteenth floors of the building.  While individual elements have appeared on the market since the building was modernized in the 1960s, and subsequently demolished in 1972, the present lot is the most complete elevator assemblage from the Stock Exchange to appear at public auction.  Another example of this size is in the permanent collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.