Kop van een oude vrouw met een bril en muts 1895

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketch of an old woman wearing glasses and a bonnet with a piece of graphite. This drawing embodies the Dutch tradition of portraiture, moving away from glorifying aristocracy towards a more democratic approach. Instead, Cachet’s sketch offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, challenging the established hierarchies of the art world. Made in the Netherlands, it reflects a cultural shift towards realism and social consciousness. We can assume the artist wanted to bring images of ordinary people into museums, which were typically reserved for images of wealthy people. Art historical research, including artist biographies and exhibition reviews, help us understand Cachet’s place in the evolving art world and his contribution to making art more accessible to a wider audience.