Sprite

Alfonso Iannelli|Frank Lloyd Wright

ca. 1914 · Painted cement · The American Wing

"Sprite" was originally part of a large sculpture program for Wright’s Midway Gardens in Chicago. Built for Edward C. Waller Jr. and Oscar Friedman in 1914, the complex was designed as an entertainment center. Interior and exterior areas provided for dining, dancing, and concerts, but the complex declined into a common beer garden within two years of its opening. With the advent of Prohibition in 1920, it was converted for other uses; in 1929, it was demolished. Iannelli was noted for his poster designs as well as for his architectural and decorative sculpture. Strongly tectonic, the figure is composed of motifs commonly found in Wright's architectural ornament. The faceting of the face is closely tied to Cubism, a movement that had gained international influence by 1914.

Artist

Alfonso Iannelli|Frank Lloyd Wright

Date

ca. 1914

Medium

Painted cement

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Steele, 1979