Emil Zettler Explained

Emil Robert Zettler (March 30, 1878 – January 10, 1946) American sculptor, born in Karlsruhe, Germany^[1] (or, Chicago, Illinois ^[2]) and active in Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago, where Zettler studied, awarded him the Potter Palmer Gold Medal in 1917 for his colored plaster sculpture Job. It was among the first works of art by a Chicagoan showcased at the Arts Club of Chicago.^[3]

He often worked with Prairie School architect George Grant Elmslie. He taught sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago, rising to become head of its School of Industrial Arts. In 1931, Zettler married Edythe L. Flack, one of the Institute's assistant deans. The Institute commissioned Zettler to redesign its Frank G. Logan Medal.^[4] Among his students there was John Weaver. Zettler was tasked with designing the official medals for the Century of Progress World's Fair in 1933.^[5]

Works

• Perkins, Fellows & Hamilton Studio and Office, Chicago, IL, 1917
• Capitol Building and Loan Association, Topeka, KS, 1924
• Frankenstein Memorial Chapel of Temple Sholom, Chicago, IL, 1928
• First Congregational Church of Western Springs, Western Springs, IL, 1930

Notes and References

1. McGlauflin, Alice Coe, editor, ‘’Who’s Who in American Art: Volume II, 1938-1939’’, The American Federation of Arts, Inc., Washington D.C., 1937
2. Opitz, Glenn B., Mantle Fielding's Dictionary of American Painters, Sculptors & Engravers, Apollo Books, Poughkeepsie, NY, 1988
3. In the Galleries. The International Studio. June 1918. 64. 256. John Lane Company. New York City, NY. 136.
4. Book: Prince, Sue Ann. The Old Guard and the Avant-Garde. 1990. University Of Chicago Press. Chicago, IL. 978-0226682846. 206.
5. Book: Hibler. Harold E.. Kappen. Charles V.. So-Called Dollars. 2008. 2nd. Coin & Currency Institute, Inc.. 978-0871841025. 84.