The Fair Store: Block with Central Shell Shape from Facade Possibly 1890 - 1897

"The Fair Store: Block with Central Shell Shape from Facade" is a terracotta relief sculpture by American architect William LeBaron Jenney. The sculpture features a prominent shell-like motif, with a central, fan-shaped form, and a scrolled base. Created in the late 19th century, this piece is a testament to Jenney's work in the Chicago School of architecture, known for its innovative use of materials and structural systems. The relief's intricate detailing and the shell's symbolic association with prosperity and growth likely served as a decorative element for a commercial building, showcasing the architectural aesthetic of the time. This sculpture, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offers insight into the architectural ornaments of the late 19th century.