Peggy Smolka
American, born 1951
Elevation of the John Hancock Tower: Entry to 
Chicago’s Architectural Club’s “Tops” competition
1983
Mixed media on Mylar
79 x 38 cm
Gift of Peggy Smolka, 1985.197
© Peggy Smolka Wolff

This drawing of ancient sky deities was a proposal for a new top for a Chicago skyscraper. Look for two Egyptian gods, the Roman god Jupiter on his throne, and an annunciation angel. Each is taken from a well-known work of art.

Architects of the Hancock Tower boldly placed the cross braces that hold up the building on the outside and added no other ornament. Why do you think the artist Smolka topped this modern building with these gods?