Duiven c. 1935 - 1940

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketchbook page with pen in the Netherlands. Cachet lived through a time of significant social and political change, including the rise of industrialization and shifts in colonial power, which shaped the cultural landscape in which he worked. Here, various pigeons are captured in their quintessential poses and forms, reduced to mere outlines. There's a tenderness here as the artist's hand seems to enjoy capturing the creatures' different shapes. One can almost hear the gentle cooing and flapping of wings. As you look at this work, consider the role of animals as symbols in art and culture. The artist seems less interested in traditional symbolism and more focused on the intimate observation and depiction of these humble creatures. The page becomes a quiet meditation on the everyday, inviting us to pause and consider the beauty in the ordinary.