Studies, mogelijk ornamentontwerpen c. 1895

This sketch, by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, presents a series of studies for ornamental designs. Note the recurring motif of the circle, a symbol as old as time, representing wholeness, eternity, and the cyclical nature of existence. The circle, as seen in ancient sun disks or the Ouroboros, appears across cultures. These emblems of cosmic unity and completion echo through time, resurfacing in Cachet’s work. The circular patterns evoke not only symmetry but also a sense of rhythm and continuity. Think of mandalas, Celtic knotwork, or even the rose windows of Gothic cathedrals – each uses circular designs to suggest harmony. The way these forms echo across different eras suggests a collective memory at play, where the subconscious power of these shapes continues to resonate, engaging us on a deeply human level. Ultimately, these sketches serve as a reminder of how symbols evolve. Their inherent power to evoke complex emotions and ideas is forever in flux.