Nature as Inspiration
Pierre Cuypers constantly sketched cityscapes, flowers, and leaf motifs. He transformed this inspiration into geometric patterns that still amaze viewers today.
On Cuypers’ work table in the “Inspiration” room lie a few of his sketches. In 1887, he drew a number of symmetrical leaf motifs in various colors on a sketch sheet. On another piece of paper, he combined small drawings of leaves and twigs with somewhat more detailed sketches for border decorations. Both drawings are signed by him. They are examples of the impressive number of sketches Cuypers produced.
Pierre Cuypers drew constantly—during the day, in the evening, and while traveling: cityscapes and nature, flowers and leaf motifs, sometimes even animals, and on rare occasions, landscapes. Cuypers stylized these into geometric patterns. The draftsmen in the workshops developed Cuypers’ sketches into detailed architectural drawings, after which the sculptors, ornamental carvers, and painters set to work on them.
In Cuypers’ churches and buildings—such as the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Central Station, and De Haar Castle—the viewer is almost overwhelmed by the countless decorations inspired by nature. These are incorporated into carved reliefs, capitals, and colorful wall and vault paintings. Animal heads, leaves, and flowers also frequently appear in his furniture.
