Studie, mogelijk een lamp 1896

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketch, possibly of a lamp, which is now held at the Rijksmuseum. As a preliminary sketch, it raises interesting questions about the institutional history of art. Cachet was born in the Netherlands and trained in decorative arts at the Rijksschool voor Kunstnijverheid Amsterdam. The emphasis on the applied arts in his education reflects a broader turn in the art world of the late 19th century towards design and functionality. Was Cachet producing this design for a client? Was this part of his training? These kinds of questions can help us situate the work within the context of Dutch design history. By researching the institutional frameworks that shaped Cachet's career, we can understand how the art world has evolved and changed over time. This approach allows us to appreciate the social conditions that shape artistic production, as well as the public role of art in society.