Ontwerptekening voor de prent van de erepoort in de Wijngaardstraat te Veere, 1766 1766 - 1767

Pieter Beuckels created this design drawing for an honor gate in Wijngaardstraat, Veere in 1766. Executed in graphite, the artist has rendered a detailed sketch that gives us a peek into the architecture of the time. The choice of graphite, a relatively accessible material, allows for the intricate detailing we see here. Notice the columns, the sculptures, the ornate carvings – all meticulously planned out. But it also speaks to the purpose of the drawing itself. It’s a blueprint, a functional object meant to guide the construction of something grander. Consider the labor involved in realizing this design. The quarrying of stone, the carving, the construction – all physical processes reliant on skilled artisans and laborers. By looking closely at Beuckels’ drawing, we can appreciate the layers of work and the network of hands involved in creating the honor gate. This drawing reminds us that art and design are always rooted in material reality and the labor that brings them to life.