Decoratief ontwerp 1874 - 1945

This decorative design was sketched in pencil by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet. What strikes me is the freedom in the marks, you can see him figuring it out as he goes. The sketch has been attached to some kind of backing sheet, and you can see the grid underneath. He probably used this to scale it up. It's a drawing that's all about surface – the texture of the paper, the smudgy quality of the graphite, and the way the lines create a sense of depth and movement. Look at those leaf-like shapes. They're not just outlines; they're filled with tiny, energetic strokes that give them volume. It looks like he was searching for the right form, letting the pencil lead him. This piece reminds me of some of the early sketches of Gustav Klimt, both artists were interested in ornamentation and pattern and this drawing shows an artist working through ideas. It’s a reminder that art is often about the journey, not just the destination.