Kapiteel met bladmotief 1837 - 1921

This is a sketch for a leaf motif capital, by Pierre Joseph Hubert Cuypers. We can see it was made with graphite on paper. The medium and artistic process here are crucial to understanding the work’s material presence. Cuypers’s sketch captures the texture and form of the capital through delicate lines. The graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, accentuating the play of light and shadow across the leaf. The precision of his lines suggests an engagement with detailed architectural planning and design. Looking at the drawing, we can consider that this is not merely a representation but an exploration of form and detail. Cuypers’s intent was to engage with the possibilities of architectural ornamentation. Focusing on materiality, making, and context expands our understanding of the artwork. It challenges traditional divisions between fine art and craft.