Decoratief ontwerp 1874 - 1945

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this 'Decoratief ontwerp' with some kind of paint on graph paper; it's all about making the design process visible. I love how the lines of the design mirror each other, creating symmetry and balance. The choice of colors—soft browns and blacks against the graph paper—gives a muted, subtle effect. The edges of the design are defined with a darker pigment, suggesting an iterative approach, where the design evolves through layers of refinement. The graph paper peeking through is a reminder of the underlying structure and precision involved in the design process. It's almost like looking at the bones of a painting; the structure is apparent but doesn't define the whole. Cachet's design reminds me of Hilma af Klint's spiritual diagrams—both explore complex ideas through simplified forms. Art isn't always about answers but about asking better questions.