Architect's sign

This trade sign, depicting the facade of a Greek temple, hung in front of the office of architect John Butler Snook (1815-1901), who established his firm in 1837. A largely self-taught architect, Snook played an instrumental role in developing the streetscape of downtown Manhattan. Among his notable buildings were the A.T. Stewart "Marble Palace" (1845-46), Grand Central Depot (1869-71), the Metropolitan Hotel (1849-52), as well as numerous private homes.