Ornament met een leeuw c. 1897 - 1898

This sketch of a lion ornament was made by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet using graphite on paper. Graphite, though seemingly simple, provides a direct connection to the artist's hand. The softness of the material allows for quick, expressive lines, capturing the initial spark of an idea. Note how the artist uses varying pressure to create depth and shadow, bringing the lion to life with minimal means. This drawing likely served as a preliminary study for a larger work, perhaps in wood carving or even metalwork, given Cachet’s background in decorative arts. The immediacy of the sketch contrasts with the labor-intensive processes that would follow. Yet, it is in this initial act of creation that the essence of the final piece is often found, blurring the boundaries between sketch and finished work. The sketch reminds us that even the grandest creations often begin with a simple line.