Images of the Central Library, Indianapolis, by Paul Cret.

Central Library, Indianapolis/Marion County Public Library

Paul Cret
1917

A Beaux-Arts building
An early work by Cret, this building is firmly in the Beaux-Arts tradition. Cret was born in Lyon, France, and educated at that city's École des Beaux-Arts, then later in Paris. Some the characteristics of the Beaux-Arts style seen here are the symmetrical facade, the use of classical architectural in both the broad style--here loosely Doric and in architectural details (see below), the raised first story and the flat roof, the processional entrance with the grand staircase, and the use of sculpture--here primarily bas relief.

The end bays of the facade

Bas relief details, some relating to the function of the building--a library

Click here to return to index of art historical sites.

Click here to return to index of artists and architects.

Click here to return to chronological index.

Click here to see the home page of Bluffton University.

© 2010 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

A Beaux-Arts building An early work by Cret, this building is firmly in the Beaux-Arts tradition. Cret was born in Lyon, France, and educated at that city's École des Beaux-Arts, then later in Paris. Some the characteristics of the Beaux-Arts style seen here are the symmetrical facade, the use of classical architectural in both the broad style--here loosely Doric and in architectural details (see below), the raised first story and the flat roof, the processional entrance with the grand staircase, and the use of sculpture--here primarily bas relief.




		The end bays of the facade

Bas relief details, some relating to the function of the building--a library