Ontwerp voor een lantaarn c. 1928

This is Carel Adolph Lion Cachet’s sketch for a lantern, created in 1912. It offers us a glimpse into the artist’s design process, revealing his consideration for form and function. Cachet’s position as a white European male during the early 20th century allowed him the privilege to explore artistic expression. Yet, the lantern’s intended use and placement also reflects a society deeply structured by class. Lighting, even in its design stages, illuminates questions of who has access to comfort, safety, and beauty within public and private spaces. Moreover, consider the emotional implications of light itself. In the darkness, what does it mean to create and control a source of illumination? The lantern becomes more than just a functional object; it's a symbol of power, artistry, and the complex interplay between design and societal structures.