Plant Form Study 1885

"Plant Form Study" is a pencil drawing by Louis H. Sullivan, a prominent architect of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his contributions to the Chicago School movement. This intimate study, created in 1885, reveals Sullivan’s interest in organic forms and his exploration of natural motifs in his design work. The drawing features a stylized plant form, rendered with delicate lines and suggestive of his architectural style. The use of abstract and geometric shapes, particularly in the central circular forms, foreshadows his later emphasis on organic architectural details, which he famously described as “form follows function.” This drawing, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a valuable insight into the design process of a renowned architect and a prime example of the Art Nouveau style.