Kast 1857 - 1859

This is a pencil drawing of a kast, or cupboard, by Pierre Cuypers. We can see the way Cuypers' architectural designs connect to the social and cultural context of the Netherlands, where he worked. Cuypers was instrumental in the Gothic Revival in the Netherlands during the 19th century. He designed many churches, public buildings, and even the Rijksmuseum itself. In this drawing we see the early stages of design of a common household item, which in its intricate detail, is elevated to a kind of fine art. Cuypers believed that Gothic architecture was the true Dutch style, and he sought to revive it in all aspects of life. To understand Cuypers' vision, one might consult architectural journals, municipal archives, and design collections. These resources illuminate the cultural and institutional forces that shaped his work and the broader Gothic Revival movement in the Netherlands.