Final answer:
The Breakers mansion, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1895, is an iconic example of Gilded Age luxury in Newport, Rhode Island, featuring Italian palace-like architecture. It symbolizes the wealth of the American elite during this era of significant economic growth and industrial expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Breakers is a grand mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, and is an iconic representation of the Gilded Age extravagance. Constructed in 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, brother of William Vanderbilt, this opulent home exemplifies the wealth and luxury of the era. Adorned with marble, wood, and alabaster, The Breakers was designed to resemble an Italian palace, symbolizing the immense wealth and social status of the Vanderbilt family. The mansion is renowned for its architectural beauty and opulence, reflecting the prosperity of the American elite during a period where industrial expansion and economic growth were unprecedented.
Comparably, Hearst Castle, designed by Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst, presents another example of similar grandeur from the period, showcasing a Mediterranean style, an assortment of art and antiques, and incorporating modern amenities of the time such as a sound system and multiple telephones. The comparison of The Breakers to other lavish estates of the era like Hearst Castle illustrates the magnitude of wealth and the taste for European-inspired architecture that were trademarks of the wealthiest American industrialists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.