Decoratief ontwerp 1874 - 1945

Editor: So, here we have Carel Adolph Lion Cachet’s "Decoratief ontwerp," which roughly translates to “Decorative Design,” made sometime between 1874 and 1945. It appears to be watercolor and ink on toned paper, perhaps part of a sketchbook. There’s something so intimate and revealing about sketchbook pages… What do you see in this piece, considering its historical moment? Curator: I see a fascinating dialogue between artistic intention and material reality. The grid, likely part of the sketchbook page itself, becomes an unintentional commentary on the rigid structures imposed on art and society. How do the curves of the design push against those imposed boundaries, do you think? It also speaks to the tension between organic forms and geometric order which was part of the wider political discourse, especially the struggle for artistic and social freedom at the time. Editor: That's a great point about the grid, and it makes me think about the intended function of "decorative design." It almost feels subversive, playing with symmetry and form within constraints. Do you see a critique of power in this? Curator: I think so. The very act of creating beauty within – and against – such a framework can be seen as a form of resistance, subtly questioning the status quo through aesthetics. Consider the colonial contexts of the time and Cachet's identity – the "decorative" can often mask coded challenges to the dominance of European ideals and control, and how that intersects with ideas around gender and class. The personal sketchbook could be viewed as an incubator, somewhere to plant seeds and process conflict for further creation and dissemination. Editor: Wow, that's such a rich perspective! It really changes how I view what might seem like a simple design study. It’s made me think about how what we see as ‘decorative’ often carries significant weight. Curator: Precisely. The "decorative" can be a powerful tool for social commentary, especially when deployed strategically within broader movements advocating for change. Editor: I’ll definitely remember to look beneath the surface next time I see a piece like this. Thanks for pointing out so many hidden layers!