Mandenmaker 1874 - 1945

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet created this drawing called ‘Mandenmaker’ using black chalk. Cachet, born in the Netherlands, spent a significant part of his life in what was then the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. He was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which was a reaction against industrialization. This piece evokes a sense of labor and the dignity of craft. The choice to depict a basket maker resonates with the movement's emphasis on traditional skills and the value of handmade objects, set against a rapidly changing world. Cachet’s work often explored themes of identity and cultural heritage. He returned to the Netherlands around 1922, where he continued to produce art that reflected his colonial experiences. The texture and detail in this drawing invite us to reflect on the artist’s journey and the lives of craftsmen during a period of immense social and technological change.