Architectuurstudies c. 1890

Editor: This drawing, "Architectuurstudies," was made around 1890 by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet. It's a pencil sketch held at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes me is how spare it is, just these basic lines defining architectural forms. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It's interesting that you find it sparse. Consider the context: Cachet, though involved in later artistic movements, received academic training. Such sketches were crucial to that pedagogy. They were not necessarily intended for public consumption, but served as studies. They reflect a Beaux-Arts emphasis on structure, on mastering the foundational elements of design before artistic flourish. What function might such sketches serve? Editor: Maybe it's about understanding the underlying geometry, the basic building blocks, before adding ornamentation or personal expression? Curator: Exactly! And that gets at a key shift happening at the time. While still rooted in academic tradition, artists were beginning to question it. Think about the rise of Impressionism and other movements that challenged established aesthetic values and practices. Artists, and architectural artists in particular, were trying to discover new roles. Is it enough to sketch the arch, or can one explore ways of visually representing its history, and how a structure functions culturally, or is politically charged? Editor: So, this drawing exists in a fascinating moment of transition, holding onto academic principles while hinting at the artistic questioning that was about to explode. It seems quite unassuming but I am beginning to appreciate the socio-cultural undertones. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. By viewing it through this lens, we realize this "simple" drawing can provide meaningful information.