Ontwerp voor een oorkonde ter gelegenheid van twaalf en een half jaar trouwe dienst bij de Lijm- en Gelatinefabriek 1874 - 1945

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this design for a certificate with ink on paper. The limited palette – mostly blacks and grays – gives it a strong, graphic feel. I find myself focusing on the dense, ornamental details. It’s like Lion Cachet was building up the design bit by bit, letting the shapes and lines emerge through the process. The ink is applied in varying thicknesses. In some areas, the lines are crisp and defined, while in others, the ink bleeds slightly, creating a softer edge. The contrast between these textures animates the surface, giving it depth. Look at the birds at the top, the way they mirror each other, their wings almost touching. I love that these motifs repeat throughout the whole piece, creating a sense of balance and harmony. There’s something about the Arts and Crafts movement he was part of that feels so generous and open to interpretation. Like William Morris, Lion Cachet embraced art as a part of everyday life, something to be shared and enjoyed by all. It’s this spirit of inclusivity that makes his work feel so relevant today.