Studies en decoratieve patronen c. 1905 - 1910

Curator: Well, look at this lovely peek into the artist’s mind. This pencil drawing, titled "Studies en decoratieve patronen," comes to us from Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, likely made sometime between 1905 and 1910. What do you make of this? Editor: A series of interesting experiments, almost like a secret language. It feels both controlled and improvisational at the same time. A definite study in geometry, no? Curator: Oh, absolutely, like little architectural dreams! Lion Cachet was, you know, quite the multifaceted character himself—painter, designer, and even a graphic artist. These studies, rendered on paper, are held here at the Rijksmuseum and offer a fascinating insight into his artistic process. Editor: I'm drawn to the fact that there seems to be two different explorations happening simultaneously. First there are what look like three dimensional figures almost technical drawing-like—next to what look like possible ornamentations. How did he understand form? Was this experimentation linked to other artists of the era exploring the language of forms? Curator: Indeed. Cachet's ties to the Art Nouveau movement come into play. He had a deep interest in not just visual aesthetics but the practical application of design, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Very much. Thinking about the political and social context, I can’t help but wonder about his relationship to Dutch colonialism and design? I am really seeing a sort of negotiation of power through art; whose patterns are worthy, or deemed "high art" for display. I imagine questions about the influence of different non-western visual idioms are absolutely in play here. Curator: Fascinating. This lens truly brings Cachet's engagement with art into clearer focus. He had a real hunger to understand and utilize forms in fresh ways. Whether designing a poster, textiles, or… maybe the lampshade of all time. One wonders what drove his explorations? Editor: Perhaps his sketches remind us of the complex social dynamics shaping our own artistic interpretations. These are not inert shapes. Curator: Well said, they come from a complex world, just like us! And that's exactly what makes a 'simple' sketch, far from simple. Editor: Precisely. Something to definitely reflect on.