World's Columbian Exposition Buildings, Chicago, Illinois, Elevation Sketch c. 1890

John Wellborn Root created this elevation sketch of the World’s Columbian Exposition Buildings in Chicago, using graphite on paper. The pale umber ground provides a stark contrast to the architectural forms meticulously rendered in graphite. We see a series of buildings, their silhouettes marked by towers and spires. Root employs a linear technique to define the structures, capturing the essence of architectural design through precise articulation. The repetitive use of vertical and horizontal lines, alongside the arches, creates a harmonious rhythm across the composition. This organized structure invites the viewer to consider the relationship between form and function. Root was interested in the aesthetics of engineering and how the modern city might blend classical design with new technologies. This elevation is less about individual buildings and more about capturing the spirit of innovation and the optimism of the era. Notice how the balance of light and shadow creates depth. The linear forms, combined with the textured paper, transform a functional sketch into an artwork that celebrates the poetics of architecture and design.