Fantasieornament c. 1895

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketch titled Fantasieornament, which translates to fantasy ornament, using graphite. Cachet was a Dutch artist working at the turn of the 20th century. This was a period of immense social and political upheaval. Cachet was actively involved in the Dutch Arts and Crafts movement which was looking for ways to find beauty in the modern world and improve the lives of ordinary people. The drawing may be a design for wallpaper or fabric, a common outlet for artists seeking to make art more accessible. We see a highly stylized repeated motif that combines geometric and organic forms. The simplification and stylization suggest the influence of non-western art. It has a strong vertical emphasis, with layered elements. To understand Cachet’s work, one can investigate the archives of design schools, exhibition catalogs, and publications on the Dutch Arts and Crafts movement. Only through understanding Cachet’s institutional and cultural context can we appreciate his attempt to democratize art.