Ontwerpen voor stoelen 1896

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet created this sketch, 'Ontwerpen voor stoelen', using graphite on paper. At first glance, it appears to be a straightforward study of chair designs. But look closer, and you'll see human figures intertwined with the furniture. The artist captures the sitter's repose, suggesting a merging of body and design. Cachet's choice of graphite allows for delicate lines and subtle shading, almost as if he is feeling his way through the forms. The visible erasures and multiple attempts reveal the design process, each line a record of decisions made and remade. By integrating the human form, Cachet elevates the chair beyond mere utility, hinting at the intimate relationship between user and object. This challenges the traditional hierarchy, inviting us to see design not just as a technical exercise, but as an exploration of the human experience.