ACROTERION. A Deco Interpretation

Alfred Shaw came into his own at Graham Anderson Probst and White after Peirce Anderson's death in 1924.  Shaw quickly moved away from Anderson's (and Burnham's) flat-roofed classicism to peaked roofs and interpretive ornament. 

THE PITTSFIELD BUILDING

THE MERCHANDISE MART

At the Pittsfield Building, the classic acroterion becomes an American Eagle.  At the Merchandise Mart, it is a Native American.  They still, however,  represent the classic tradition of  Sculptor and Architect working in close partnership  -- a tradition soon destroyed by depression and war. 

The Sculptor is unknown to this blogger.  Any clues would be much appreciated.

.

.