Archictuurstudies c. 1863

Cornelis Springer made these architectural studies in the Netherlands, probably in the mid-19th century. The artist used graphite on paper to sketch details of buildings. Springer was known for his cityscapes, and these studies likely served as reference material. The Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century saw a flourishing of urban representation and the production of architectural drawings. This artistic interest continued into the 19th century. Artists were supported by institutions such as the architecture school and the architecture and building industry. These sketches showcase a fascination with detail and structure, typical of architectural renderings. It would be interesting to compare them with contemporary architectural treatises and manuals. These resources give us insight into the social and cultural values attached to architectural design at the time. As historians, we can learn much about the social conditions that shaped artistic production by studying these drawings. Researching the archives of Dutch architectural institutions might reveal the role they played in the creation and promotion of this type of imagery.