Fauteuils 1857 - 1859

Pierre Cuypers made this undated pencil drawing, titled Fauteuils, to explore different chair designs. The drawing is a window into 19th-century Dutch design and the institutional forces that shaped it. Cuypers was a key figure in the Gothic Revival in the Netherlands. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It reflects a conscious effort to reimagine and revive earlier styles. The drawing also offers a glimpse into the role of design in shaping social spaces, particularly domestic ones. Cuypers’ designs align with broader trends in Europe, such as the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, which emphasized traditional craftsmanship and the value of handmade objects. Historians can delve into period writings on design and architecture, exhibition catalogs, and trade publications to learn more about the artistic context. Understanding Cuypers’ drawing deepens our appreciation of the socio-cultural values it embodies and the complex interplay between art, society, and institutions.