Studies 1896

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made these Studies with a pencil sometime in his life between 1864 and 1945. Here, we see figures sketched in rudimentary form: a standing man in a suit, a figure collapsed near a body of water, and another figure wearing a hat. The man standing upright is a symbol of authority, evoking similar figures across art history, such as the Roman senators depicted in ancient sculptures, embodying power and control. However, what truly captures our attention is the collapsed figure. This motif of prostration can be traced back to ancient depictions of defeated warriors or mourning figures. We see it in classical Greek tragedies, and it reappears in Christian art, representing despair. The figure triggers a visceral, empathetic response; we’re reminded of our own vulnerability and mortality. This isn’t merely a sketch, it’s a visual echo resonating with deep-seated anxieties and emotions that persist through time.