Siermotief met twee herten c. 1897 - 1898

This is Carel Adolph Lion Cachet's 'Siermotief met twee herten', currently residing at the Rijksmuseum. Without a specific date, we can still contextualize Cachet's work within the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During his lifetime, Cachet experienced the rise of colonialism and significant shifts in artistic styles. His ornamental design featuring two deer reflects an interest in natural motifs, but also perhaps speaks to the cultural appropriation that was part of the colonial era, where indigenous designs were often reinterpreted through a European lens. The use of animals in art has historically symbolized various human traits and societal values. Deer often represent grace, gentleness, but also a certain vulnerability. The rendering of these animals in what appears to be a stylized, almost heraldic manner, suggests a reflection on identity. It invites us to consider how Cachet, situated within his particular time and place, negotiated his own identity in relation to broader cultural narratives and the natural world.