McVickers Theater, Chicago, Illinois, Sketch c. 1883 - 1891

This is a sketch for the McVickers Theater in Chicago, made by Louis Sullivan, likely with graphite on paper. The sketch shows the intended decoration for a beam in the theatre’s interior. Sullivan was famous for his ornamentation, his style being both elaborate and organic, a style that would come to be known as the "Chicago School." He drew inspiration from nature, infusing geometric forms with botanical motifs to soften the impact of industrialization. This philosophy extended to his architectural practice, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in an era dominated by mass production. The sketch is not an end in itself, but part of a process. It would be translated into plaster or wood by skilled tradespeople. Sullivan saw the architect as a coordinating figure, working with builders and artisans. In that spirit, it is important to remember that this drawing only represents the first step in a long and complex labor of love.