Twee narcissen 1874 - 1945

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made "Twee narcissen," or "Two Daffodils," with ink on paper. It's an image that appears to have come into being with swift and light strokes, like the artist grabbed a pen and took the flower in, the way its petals fold around one another. I can feel the artist's presence, the way their eye moved quickly over the delicate form. It’s easy to imagine the concentration it took to keep the lines loose but accurate, avoiding a heavy or overworked look. Did they make this sketch in situ? Were the daffodils right in front of them? Did they capture the flower's fleeting beauty before it faded? Look how the varying line weights suggest depth and volume. See how the marks become denser in areas of shadow, creating a sense of three-dimensionality. The texture of the paper also plays a role, subtly influencing how the ink settles and diffuses. It almost has the simplicity of Cy Twombly, with a botanical twist. Artists are always learning from each other across time, borrowing ideas, and trying new things. What can we learn from this daffodil? That ambiguity can be beautiful.