Frieze Section for the Rothschild Building, Chicago, Illinois 1881

This plaster cast of a frieze section, created by Adler & Sullivan in 1881, is a prime example of the Chicago School architectural style. The repeating pattern of stylized palm fronds, a motif inspired by the ancient Egyptians, is typical of Sullivan's ornate and highly decorative designs. It was originally part of the Rothschild Building in Chicago, and the cast is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago. This frieze exemplifies the Chicago School's focus on geometric patterns, and the use of organic elements to achieve an aesthetic that was both modern and visually striking.