Leeuw en een fantasiefiguur c. 1900

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketch of a lion and a fantasy figure using graphite on paper. The artist took a minimalist approach, utilizing quick, loose lines to capture the essence of his subjects. This piece seems less about the final image and more about the creative process itself. The very qualities of graphite—its ready availability, its responsiveness to pressure, its capacity for both precision and smudging—invite a direct, hands-on approach. It's a medium that encourages spontaneity and improvisation. We can easily imagine Cachet rapidly moving his hand across the paper, allowing his imagination to freely flow. By focusing on the simplicity of materials and the immediacy of the act, Cachet blurred the lines between preparation and finished artwork. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most profound expressions come from the simplest means.