Mannenkop en ornamenten c. 1897 - 1898

This pencil drawing, "Mannenkop en ornamenten," by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, features a series of ornamental sketches alongside a man's profile. Dominating the composition are stylized weapon or tool handles adorned with triangular or bulbous heads. The recurrent spiral motif that terminates the handles is of particular interest. It echoes the ancient symbol of the labyrinth, representing a journey or a complex path. From the Minoan labyrinths, to medieval church floors, this symbol suggests a transformative quest. The spiral's presence here speaks to the enduring human fascination with cycles of life and death. Its persistence through millennia suggests a deep-seated psychological resonance, engaging our subconscious understanding of time and existence. Thus, the spiral in Cachet's drawing is not merely decoration, but a conduit to our collective memory, where ancient symbols continue to shape our perception and emotional experience.