Plattegrond van de Sint-Petruskerk, 's-Hertogenbosch - Pieter Jansz Saenredam

A precise 1632 architectural floor plan of the Sint-Petruskerk by Dutch master Pieter Jansz Saenredam, rendered in ink and watercolour.

This architectural plan by Pieter Jansz Saenredam depicts the floor layout of the Sint-Petruskerk in 's-Hertogenbosch. Executed in 1632, the drawing demonstrates the methodical approach Saenredam applied to his documentation of ecclesiastical spaces. Unlike his finished paintings, which often feature a high degree of atmospheric perspective and light, this work functions as a precise technical record.

The drawing employs a clear, linear style, using red ink to define the structural walls and columns of the church. Saenredam included various annotations and measurements, which provide insight into his process of on-site observation. The inclusion of a scale bar along the left edge indicates the intended utility of the document for further study or as a preparatory guide for his larger compositions. The composition is strictly two-dimensional, prioritising clarity and accuracy over aesthetic embellishment.

Saenredam was known for his systematic visits to churches across the Netherlands, where he would produce sketches and measurements before returning to his studio to create final works. This specific drawing captures the irregular geometry of the building, including the angled orientation of the southern wall, labelled as 'de Orterstraet'. The paper shows signs of age, with a warm, aged tone that complements the faded red ink. This piece offers a rare look at the foundational work behind the celebrated architectural interiors of the Dutch Golden Age. It is a document of historical record, capturing the physical reality of a building that has since undergone significant changes. The work remains a primary source for architectural historians interested in the structural history of the Sint-Petruskerk.