Ornamenten met vogels en leeuwen c. 1925

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this drawing of ornaments with birds and lions in graphite on paper. It's all about the line, isn't it? Thin and tentative, like he's feeling his way through the forms. The graphite is so delicate, it's almost like a whisper on the page, and you can see the grid underneath, a reminder of the structure holding it all together. I love the way the lions and birds are kind of jumbled up together, like a playful puzzle. Look at how the lines curve and swirl, especially in the ornamental details - it feels like he's letting his hand wander, exploring the possibilities. It’s a real insight into the process. There's something almost medieval about the way these creatures are rendered, reminds me of illuminated manuscripts, or something by Paul Klee, that same playful approach to form and line. It’s like he’s having a conversation with artists across time.