Ontwerp voor een oorkonde ter gelegenheid van twaalf-en-een-halfjarige dienst 1874 - 1945

Curator: This is "Ontwerp voor een oorkonde ter gelegenheid van twaalf-en-een-halfjarige dienst," or "Design for a certificate for the occasion of twelve-and-a-half years of service," a pen and ink drawing created by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet. The dating is broad, from 1874 to 1945, and the artwork is held in the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: It has the air of something almost architectural—the bold lines, the symmetry… but it's also undeniably ornamental, a bit like wrought iron work rendered on paper. Curator: The Art Nouveau influence is quite apparent. Lion Cachet incorporated this style in graphic designs alongside his work as a furniture designer, woodcarver and textile artist, reflecting the trend to unite fine and applied arts in the late 19th and early 20th century. Note the stylized depictions of the windows that act as beacons illuminating text elements above and below the main inscription on the drawing. Editor: The contrast between the dark ink and the paler washes gives it a dimensional quality, though much of the text seems purposefully obscured or integrated with ornament, which I suppose is common for documents like these; one wouldn't want every line to be readily accessible to public reading. I also wonder what sort of emotional impact this piece held for whoever would have received the final certificate, and what symbols of accomplishment they would have valued the most. Curator: A certificate such as this offers material evidence of dedication, a visual symbol of stability that links the individual's efforts to the power of the institution they serve. To your earlier observation about the composition—note the overall symmetry that lends a formal, august, nearly spiritual weight to something commemorating a workplace anniversary. Editor: So even a document commemorating a milestone in employment could serve as an expression of identity and group belonging? Curator: Precisely, art is rarely a detached practice. Each emblem has potential as both a piece of material culture that provides insight into design, production, and its place in the flow of commerce as well as insights to its psychological significance to the person receiving and keeping such award. Editor: Food for thought, as we continue to consider this piece and the cultural values that surround these historical artifacts.