North Elevation 18 - 1912

This drawing by McKim, Mead, and White presents the north elevation of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, rendered in graphite and ink on paper. It exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style, popular at the turn of the 20th century, which looked to classical architecture for inspiration. The drawing’s fine lines and precise details reflect the industrialization of architectural drafting. While earlier drawings might have been produced by hand, this was likely created with the aid of tools like rulers, compasses, and drafting machines. This kind of precision allowed for complex designs to be communicated efficiently to construction teams. The drawing also hints at the immense labor required to construct such a building, from quarrying stone to carving intricate details. Although the architects conceived the design, it was the skilled hands of countless workers who brought it to life. By examining this drawing, we gain insight into the collaborative processes of architectural design and the social context in which buildings like this were created, highlighting the integration of artistic vision with industrial methods.