Altaar 1857 - 1859

This delicate pencil drawing of an altar is by Pierre Joseph Hubert Cuypers. As an architect in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cuypers played a pivotal role in shaping Dutch identity through architecture. Cuypers was instrumental in the Gothic Revival movement, and he was a staunch advocate for restoring Catholic churches to their former glory and constructing new ones in the Neo-Gothic style. His work became a visual representation of Catholic identity and a symbol of resistance against the dominant Protestant culture. Yet, his traditionalist approach also sparked debates about cultural heritage. Consider how Cuypers' architectural designs influenced the visual landscape of the Netherlands and how they reflect broader discussions about national identity, cultural heritage, and religious expression. The drawing offers us not just a glimpse of an altar, but also a reflection of the complex interplay between art, identity, and society.