Kasteel Croy 1701 - 1759

Cornelis Pronk made this drawing of Kasteel Croy with graphite on paper sometime in the first half of the 18th century. The quick sketch is almost architectural in its precision, with careful attention paid to the dimensions of the building and the details of its construction. Yet, it's also more than just a technical drawing. Graphite, being a relatively soft material, allows for subtle gradations in tone and texture. You can see how Pronk used this to his advantage, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere, capturing the way light interacts with the castle's facade. It’s worth thinking about how drawings like this fit into a wider social context. Architectural sketches helped the patron class imagine new built environments. Pronk’s drawing offers insight into a time when the built environment was undergoing rapid transformation, with castles like this one giving way to more modern forms of architecture. The drawing is a physical record of that shift.