Ontwerp voor de firma B.H. Manus c. 1905 - 1910

Editor: We're looking at "Ontwerp voor de firma B.H. Manus," a pencil and ink drawing from around 1905-1910 by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It has a very raw, sketchbook feel. What stands out to you when you see it? Curator: What strikes me first is the sense of process, of thinking aloud with a pencil. It feels deeply personal, almost voyeuristic to be peering into Cachet's creative process for the B.H. Manus company design. Look how the Art Nouveau influences intertwine with his own sensibilities; the way he tries to create letterforms is really amazing! The overall mood is one of quiet experimentation, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely. I was also thinking about how different this feels from a polished final product. How important is it for us to see the "behind-the-scenes" of a work? Curator: Immensely, I believe. It democratizes the act of creation. It says, "Look, even the masters started with scribbles and false starts!" Seeing this provisional sketch unlocks something crucial – that art is not just about perfect execution, but about the journey, the searching, the what-ifs? We feel closer to the artist somehow. Almost like they're a dear friend who shares insights with us! Don't you agree? Editor: I do! It definitely makes art feel more approachable. Thanks for helping me to really consider this work with new eyes! Curator: My pleasure! I believe it all just confirms my suspicion: art has soul; a beating, loving, often clumsy heart we all share.