Tafel c. 1920

This table was made by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, and resides at the Rijksmuseum. Here, we observe the interplay of form and function. The table's circular shape, repeated at different scales, is an ancient symbol of continuity and wholeness. Consider how this echoes the cyclical nature of life, and resonates with our deepest subconscious understanding of the universe. These circular motifs and concentric forms appear throughout the history of art, from the mandalas of Eastern traditions, representing cosmic order, to the rose windows of Gothic cathedrals, symbolizing divine light and unity. The circle is a fundamental shape, and through history, it is resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different contexts. The choice of Lion Cachet to use circles may be a reflection of a non-linear, cyclical progression of the artist's history. This creates a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.