Godslampen en banken 1837 - 1921

Pierre Cuypers made this pencil drawing, "Godslampen en banken," which translates to "God Lamps and Benches," sometime in the 19th century. Cuypers, a prominent Dutch architect, was instrumental in the late 19th-century Gothic Revival movement in the Netherlands. This sketch, now in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into his design process. We see detailed studies of church lamps and benches, reflecting the religious focus of much of his work. The Gothic Revival style, which became popular across Europe, was tied up with rising nationalism. Thinkers believed a nation’s truest self was expressed in the buildings of its medieval past. Cuypers believed in the power of architecture to shape national identity and reinforce religious values. By studying his drawings alongside his built works, we can better understand the cultural and institutional forces that shaped his artistic vision. Historical documents, architectural plans, and contemporary writings offer insights into the social context of his designs.