Ontwerpen voor elektrische hanglampen c. 1905

Here we have sketches for electric hanging lamps by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet. At first glance, it is a modern design, but observe how the lamp designs are anchored in familiar forms. Notice the geometric shapes: the circle, cone, and triangle – ancient symbols representing wholeness, direction, and stability. The circle, a universal symbol of continuity and eternity, appears repeatedly, reminiscent of halos in religious iconography, suggesting the quasi-sacred power of light. Consider the stylized fleur-de-lis motif; symbols echo across centuries, resurfacing in decorative arts, signaling status and refined taste. The subconscious appeal of these familiar shapes lies in their timeless ability to evoke a sense of order. These sketches serve as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of design, where the past continuously informs the present, as symbols evolve, adapt, and find new expression in the material culture of each era.