Vrouwenkop 1896

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this drawing, "Vrouwenkop," with graphite on paper. It's a quick study, not labored over. The strokes are uneven and the planes are not perfectly aligned. But that's just the point. This isn't so much a portrait, as a way of thinking through the problem of portraiture. Cachet was deeply invested in the Arts and Crafts movement, and while this drawing may seem like an unremarkable sketch, it’s worth considering in the context of his wider practice. The drawing’s simplicity is deceptive. It represents hours of experience with the close observation of nature. Cachet was able to capture an evocative likeness, rapidly and efficiently. This kind of skill takes years to acquire. So, next time you look at a drawing, think about the labor involved, even if it is not immediately apparent. It may change the way you see art history.