Chicago Stock Exchange Building: Two Elevator Enclosure Grilles, with Base Plates and Side Support Bars 1893 - 1894

These two elevator enclosure grilles are a prime example of the architectural ironwork of Louis Sullivan, the architect of the Chicago Stock Exchange Building. The repeated geometric pattern of circles and stars, created using wrought iron, is a hallmark of the Art Nouveau style, reflecting the burgeoning interest in nature and organic forms in late 19th-century design. The grilles are an intricate example of craftsmanship and represent the firm's commitment to both aesthetics and functionality, highlighting the interplay between form and structure in the design of functional architectural elements.