Majestic Beaux-Arts Metropolitan Life Building

The photograph features the Metropolitan Life Building, an iconic skyscraper located in New York City. Completed in 1909, the building stands as a striking example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style, characterized by its grand and ornate design. At the time of its construction, the Metropolitan Life Building was the tallest in the world, reaching a height of 700 feet. It was built to house the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States at that time, and quickly became a symbol of the booming New York City skyline.

The buildings design includes notable features such as its clock tower, which draws inspiration from the Campanile of St. Marks in Venice. The clock itself is 22 feet in diameter, making it one of the largest in the world. The Metropolitan Life Building also showcases intricate stonework and sculptural details that reflect the craftsmanship of early 20th-century architecture. As urbanization expanded in the early 1900s, structures like this one played a vital role in shaping the citys identity and demonstrating the technological advancements of the era.