What did the Chrysler Building's design reference in its gargoyles?

What did the Chrysler Building's design reference in its gargoyles?

• A. Luxury cars' hood ornaments and speed
• B. Mythological beasts
• C. Marine life
• D. Aircraft engines

Answer: (A)

The design of the gargoyles is tied to the sponsor’s world—the automotive industry—and to the era’s celebration of speed and luxury. The sculptor fashioned the creatures to resemble the chrome hood ornaments found on Chrysler cars in the late 1920s, which were iconic symbols of performance and modern style at the time. By echoing those car emblems, the building loudly proclaims a connection to Chrysler and to the glamorous, fast pace of that era. If you imagine mythological beasts, sea creatures, or airplane parts, you’re thinking in a different tradition; the Chrysler Building deliberately channels automotive prestige and progress instead, making luxury cars’ hood ornaments and speed the best fit.

The design of the gargoyles is tied to the sponsor’s world—the automotive industry—and to the era’s celebration of speed and luxury. The sculptor fashioned the creatures to resemble the chrome hood ornaments found on Chrysler cars in the late 1920s, which were iconic symbols of performance and modern style at the time. By echoing those car emblems, the building loudly proclaims a connection to Chrysler and to the glamorous, fast pace of that era. If you imagine mythological beasts, sea creatures, or airplane parts, you’re thinking in a different tradition; the Chrysler Building deliberately channels automotive prestige and progress instead, making luxury cars’ hood ornaments and speed the best fit.