Zes kaders met siermotief 1919

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet created this design, titled 'Six Frames with Ornamental Motifs', using pen and graphite on paper. Though undated, the frames refer to 1809-1919. Cachet, born in the Netherlands, spent much of his life in South Africa where he became interested in the visual culture of the Dutch colonists and the native population. In this work, the ornamental motifs reveal the influence of this cultural intersection, combining traditional European design elements with patterns reminiscent of African textiles and carvings. The symmetrical layout and stylized figures evoke both art nouveau and indigenous art forms, reflecting the complex interplay of power and identity. Cachet's designs suggest the tension between assimilation and preservation of cultural heritage. The choice to blend these elements invites us to consider how cultural exchange shapes artistic expression and the formation of identity.