The Eiffel Tower was designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exposition of 1889 and dominated the Parisian skyline at the time it was built. Constructed of iron and standing 984 feet tall, the tower quickly became a favorite subject of artists and photographers, as exemplified by Robert Delaunay's series of paintings. Today, the tower's distinctive silhouette is recognized world wide as an icon of French culture.