Staande man met een hoge hoed c. 1895

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketch of a standing man with a high hat, using graphite pencil on paper. The choice of a humble medium like graphite, commonly used for preliminary sketches, suggests an emphasis on process over a finished product. The artist's hand is evident in the varying line weights and visible erasures, revealing the evolution of the image. The sketch captures the essence of the figure, imbuing it with a sense of immediacy and authenticity. The choice of graphite, an unassuming material, challenges the traditional hierarchy of art materials. It invites us to appreciate the inherent qualities of the medium and the directness of the artist's hand. By focusing on the act of creation and the inherent qualities of graphite, the artist elevates the sketch to a work of art in its own right.