Howard Norton Cook (1901-1980).
Wood engraving, 1930.
Edition 75.
Signed in pencil. Inscribed "Imp." and "75."
Image size 10 1/16 x 6 11/16" (25.5 x 16.9 cm).
The Graphic Work of Howard Cook: A Catalogue Raisonne by Betty and Douglas Duffy #122.
Very good condition, printed on very thin tissue paper.
The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco gem on the New York City skyline. The building was designed by William Van Alen for Walter P. Chrysler who founded the automotive giant, the Chrysler Corporation. The design of the building changed several times during construction, notably the gargoyles are patterned after the hood ornaments on Plymouth cars. The stainless steel exterior was to be modern. The final design change came after 40 Wall Street added height to its building and claimed the title of the tallest building. Van Alen went back to the drawing board and designed the distinctive 125-foot spire. The upper spire was secretly constructed inside the tower and the bottom section was installed on October 23, 1929. The remaining sections were installed quickly making the Chrysler Building the tallest building and structure in the world, surpassing 40 Wall Street and the Eifel Tower.
An interesting note - the land under the Chrysler Building is owned by Cooper Union which was given the land in 1902. In 1931 the Chrysler Building became the second tallest building in the world, surpassed by the Empire State Building. It is still regarded as the tallest brick building in the world with a brick and steel architecture. It currently is fifth on the list of tallest buildings in New York City
