Decoratief ontwerp 1874 - 1945

Editor: We are looking at *Decorative Design* by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, likely created between 1874 and 1945. It's a pencil drawing on grid paper, held by the Rijksmuseum. There's something so delicate and provisional about this piece...it almost feels like glimpsing into the artist's mind at the very beginning of the creative process. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Oh, this is lovely! You're right, it’s a peek behind the curtain, isn’t it? The grid gives it such a sense of planning and control. I love the tension between the rigid geometry of the grid and the free-flowing, almost whimsical flourishes of the decorative elements. You know, it reminds me of finding a pressed flower in an old book—unexpected beauty nestled within structure. I wonder, does the aging paper and faded ink conjure images of ephemerality and artistic processes in your imagination? Editor: It really does! Like finding an antique sample. And those curling designs definitely have that "pressed flower" feeling; the work is delicate, yes. How much did these patterns change between his concept and application in final product, maybe tapestry work? Curator: Precisely! Perhaps significantly. We are missing color or embellishment. Perhaps this would later translate into embroidery or carved wood, full of vibrant hues and textures? Maybe it ended up as something entirely different! The beauty lies, at least for me, in the possibilities. Seeing this skeletal form unlocks such imaginative space. Editor: So, this really illustrates that creative push and pull between the idea and execution. Curator: Precisely, yes! It makes me feel creatively restless, itching to try something new, even if it never sees the light of day. A sketch that suggests entire tapestries, that is beautiful! Editor: Well, seeing that grid made something usually intimidating (art!) less so. That’s neat, thanks.