Ontwerp voor een boekband en een zittende figuur c. 1895

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketch of a book cover and seated figure on paper. Cachet worked in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of significant social and political change. The design of the book cover incorporates geometric shapes and what appears to be stylized lettering, reflecting the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to elevate craftsmanship and design in response to industrialization. The seated figure could be an allegory for learning and literacy. The Dutch cultural context of the time, with its strong tradition of printing and publishing, combined with a growing interest in social reform, might have influenced Cachet’s choice of subject matter. Understanding the social conditions that shaped Cachet's artistic production requires further investigation into the cultural institutions, artistic movements, and socio-political forces that were at play during his time. By exploring archives and libraries, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and institutional contexts that gave rise to this work.