Deur, deel van een betimmering uit het huis van Dentz van Schaick, gebeeldhouwde en ingelegde gestileerde bloem- en bladmotieven en dier- en figuurlijke voorstellingen c. 1900 - 1905

This carved and inlaid door, by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, is part of the paneling from the house of Dentz van Schaick. The stylized flower, leaf, animal and figurative motifs are all incorporated into its design. What strikes me about this door is its tactile quality. The dark wood bears the marks of its making – the deep cuts of the carving, the smooth inlays, all of which invite you to touch and trace the patterns with your fingers. The wood feels both solid and intricate. The contrast between the rich darkness of the wood and the lighter inlays creates a dynamic surface. The star motif inlaid on the left panel is particularly compelling. The way the light catches the inlay makes it seem as though it's radiating outwards, bringing the whole door to life. Cachet was part of the Dutch Art Nouveau movement, and like his contemporaries, he was interested in bringing art into everyday life. Perhaps he was influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement and artists like William Morris. And I think this door is a great example of that ideal. It’s both functional and beautiful, inviting contemplation and sparking the imagination.