Ex libris van Carel Lion Cachet 1932

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet created this Ex libris in 1932. The dominant tones of black and orange create a feeling of heat, almost like flames licking at the edges of the frame. I can imagine Cachet carefully carving into the block, considering how each line contributes to the overall image. Maybe he felt like he was wrestling with the material, trying to coax the design from the wood. The initial ‘LC’ seems to glow as if lit from behind. The composition is interesting—the flames encircle the lettering and radiate outward, merging into the background. The use of contrasting colors intensifies the visual impact, and the varying line thicknesses create depth and texture. The artist’s signature, ‘LC,’ appears almost as a seal of authenticity—a personal touch that brings the viewer closer to his creative process. It reminds us that art is always in conversation with other art, building upon what came before while striving to say something new. It's this constant dialogue that keeps painting vibrant and alive.