Ontwerpen voor stoelen c. 1895

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made these chair designs using graphite on paper. Although seemingly simple, the medium of graphite allows for the exploration of texture, weight, and form, while the design of the chairs invites us to consider their social function. The act of sketching, in itself, is a kind of labor. The artist thoughtfully considers the construction of the chair, reducing it to its basic elements and rendering different variations. The choice of graphite emphasizes the connection between design, craftsmanship, and the industrial means of production necessary to realize the furniture. Cachet challenges the traditional distinction between fine art and functional design, reminding us that everyday objects can be sources of both aesthetic pleasure and social significance.