Study for the Astor Library (front elevation), 1843
Alexander J. Davis (American, 1803–1892)
Watercolor and ink on paper
This building only has the best pediment ever in the history of pediments. Rather than decorating it with classical ornament, like acanthus or naked Greeks or whatever (nothing against either, I love both equally), Alexander Jackson Davis carved out a high relief row of leaning books. Why? Because it’s a library, dummy! Just kidding, I love you. Why else? Because he was an architect with a sense of humor! My favorite.
I don’t have my notes on this from class on me right now, but for some reason, I don’t think it was ever completed. I do know is that this is not the same Astor Library that is now the Joseph Papp Public Theater. I will have to get back to you on if this was just a plan, unless anyone wants to school me in the comments.
UPDATE:
According to my notes, this building was never completed.
