A Treasure Trove of Information
Photography isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of architect Pierre Cuypers (1827–1921). Yet he made a significant contribution to the development of Dutch photography. He took full advantage of the possibilities offered by photographic reproduction to document new architecture, art objects from his studios, antiquities, and monuments. In addition, he collected photographs to instruct and inspire himself and his staff with an enormous wealth of examples from international art and architectural history. The collection serves as important evidence of Cuypers’ forward-thinking approach. Throughout his life, he used new techniques and embraced innovation to ensure his firm operated as efficiently as possible.
Research
The Cuypershuis commissioned Loes van Harrevelt, curator of the Nederlands Fotomuseum, to conduct research on the collection of glass negatives originating from Cuypers’ firm. Due to its age, the techniques used, the diversity of subjects, and its photographic quality, this collection of negatives is an important part of the Netherlands’ photographic heritage. The glass plates offer us a glimpse into the production and sales methods of the art workshops, the many artists and artisans who worked there, and the rise of art reproduction in plaster and photography.
The book *Fragile Images* is now available for purchase in our museum shop!