Grafmonumenten c. 1850

These sketches of grave monuments were made by Pierre Cuypers. Using graphite on paper, Cuypers captured the designs for these memorials. The stark contrast between the soft medium and the solidity of stone highlights the relationship between concept and construction, between drawing and building. Cuypers, renowned for his role in revitalizing Gothic Revival architecture in the Netherlands, was deeply invested in the craft and artistry of building. These sketches are more than just preliminary designs. They are a testament to Cuypers's engagement with historical precedent and skilled craftsmanship, combining the architectural with the artisanal. Cuypers's monuments are an invitation to reconsider the relationship between architecture, design, and the skills embedded in their creation. By focusing on process, these memorials reveal the human labor and cultural values invested in their making.