Saint Nicholas Hotel: Spandrel Panel by Adler & Sullivan, Architects

Saint Nicholas Hotel: Spandrel Panel 1892 - 1893

ceramic, architecture

natural stone pattern

rippled sketch texture

detailed texture

war

ceramic

organic pattern

arch

embossed

men

pattern repetition

natural texture

decorative-art

layered pattern

scratchy texture

organic texture

architecture

This is a spandrel panel, a decorative element that fills the space between a window or door and the structural support above it, from the Saint Nicholas Hotel, designed by Adler & Sullivan in 1892-1893. This terracotta panel features an intricate, geometric design in the Art Nouveau style, common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The intricate, radiating pattern of the panel demonstrates Sullivan's mastery of design, making it a prominent example of his architectural style. The panel is currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago.