The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 20, 2024
Terminal Tower, Ohio
1928
(American, 1904–1971)
Image: 17.8 x 7.3 cm (7 x 2 7/8 in.); Mounted: 25.2 x 19.4 cm (9 15/16 x 7 5/8 in.); Matted: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14 in.)
Gift of Mrs. Edd A. Ruggles 1972.1087
© Estate of Margaret Bourke-White / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
Location: not on view
Description
Reminiscent of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, Terminal Tower is an example of how Egyptomania impacted architecture in Cleveland, Ohio. Like the ancient lighthouse, Terminal Tower is a symbolic and functional building, dedicated to trade and commerce. Inspired by Roman mausoleums, the Van Sweringen brothers designed Terminal Tower in the Beaux-Art style, balancing Classical sculpture and architectural elements with modern materials. After assuming power over Egypt, the Greek general Ptolemy began constructing the Alexandrian lighthouse in 280 BCE. He used traditional Greek architectural techniques, which the Romans later borrowed, and which were subsequently interpreted by Beaux-Art architects in the 1800s.- Egyptomania: Fashion's Conflicted Obsession. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (April 1, 2023-January 28, 2024).American Cities: The Artist's View. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (October 17, 1989-January 7, 1990).
- {{cite web|title=Terminal Tower, Ohio|url=false|author=Margaret Bourke-White|year=1928|access-date=20 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1972.1087