William Borden Residence, Chicago, Illinois, South Elevation

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of Gilded Age architecture with Richard Morris Hunt's *William Borden Residence,, Illinois, South Elevation (1886). This working drawing captures the south facade of a grand home designed for William Borden, son of a prominent Chicago merchant prince. Hunt, America's pioneering Beaux-Arts architect trained at Paris's École des Be-Arts, infused the design with classical symmetry, ornate detailing, and French-inspired elegance—hallmarks of his style that elevated American residential architecture. Created during Chicago's explosive post-fire rebuilding boom, the drawing reflects the city's ascent as a hub of wealth and innovation. Hunt's commissions for elite clients like the Borden family symbolized the era's social aspirations, blending European grandeur with practical American scale. As a south elevation, it meticulously outlines windows, balconies, and rooflines, guiding builders toward a stately mansion that embodied 19th-century luxury. Rendered in watercolor on a hectographic print—a gelatin-based duplication method predating blueprints—and mounted on linen for durability, this 64.5 × 67.5 cm piece highlights architectural drafting's artistry. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Architecture and Design department, it offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous process behind Hunt's enduring legacy.