Ontwerp voor een bascule lamp 1874 - 1945

Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have a design for a tilting lamp by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet rendered in pencil and watercolor. The drawing's structure, a blend of vertical and curvilinear elements, immediately draws the eye. Notice how the vertical axis, anchored by a slender, trumpet-like form, is counterbalanced by the wide, arching base supporting the lamps. The linear precision in the lamp's mechanics contrasts with the softer rendering of the lampshades, creating a dialogue between function and ornamentation. The materiality of the design—the cool metal suggested by delicate shading—hints at the industrial yet refined aesthetic of the era. Cachet's design transcends mere functionality; it embodies a period grappling with new ideas about form and utility, reflecting a desire to integrate art into everyday life. The drawing destabilizes the traditional separation between artistic creation and industrial design. It presents us with a visual system where each element, from line to form, contributes to a larger conversation about how we perceive and interact with our environment.