Grazende paarden 1905 - 1906

This is Carel Adolph Lion Cachet’s sketch, “Grazing Horses,” currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Made without a specific date, this work offers insight into Cachet's artistic process and the cultural values of his time. Born in the Dutch East Indies, Cachet's work often reflects his deep connection to the natural world. Sketches like these were crucial for artists to capture movement and form, reflecting broader shifts in artistic representation toward more dynamic and realistic depictions. In this sketch, Cachet captures the essence of grazing horses with a simplicity that speaks volumes. There is a sense of freedom in the sketch, yet the gendered and classed implications of leisure and access to nature cannot be ignored. The sketch invites us to consider the relationship between humans and animals, and how our perceptions are shaped by cultural and historical contexts. It leaves us contemplating the complex interplay between nature, society, and artistic expression.