Zodiacal Reliefs - Chicago, IL
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member adgorn
N 41° 53.496 W 087° 37.458
16T E 448209 N 4637929
Figural representations of the Zodiac signs incised in low relief on facade of 520 N. Michigan Ave, the former McGraw Hill Building.
Waymark Code: WM8QTV
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 05/04/2010
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member condor1
Views: 7

The database identifies the following categories of figures: Emblem -- Zodiac, Figure female -- Nude, Figure female -- Full length, Figure male -- Full length, Object -- Foliage. Not bad, since there is no other specific listing that I could locate. I would add the three reliefs for Diana, Atlas and Helios and expand the title of the entry to include "Greek Dieties."

In 1999/2000 the original art deco McGraw Hill building was torn down to make way for an improved shopping site plus hotel. There was such a hue & cry that the developers agreed to save the reliefs and attached them to the new structure, preserving the look of the original building. See (visit link) for more information.

The Pocket Guide to Chicago Architecture also provides a good overview:
(visit link)
TITLE: Zodiacal Reliefs

ARTIST(S): Lux, Richard, b. 1877, sculptor. (possibly by)

DATE: not supplied but s/b 19xx

MEDIUM: not supplied but s/b limestone

CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 87820057

Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]

PHYSICAL LOCATION:
4th and 5th floor facade 520 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL


DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
Added date and medium info. Also, I would add the three reliefs for Diana, Atlas and Helios and expand the title of the entry to include "Greek Dieties."


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