Ontwerp voor een ex libris voor D. Goedkoop 1874 - 1945

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this design for a bookplate with pen and brush in ink. Look at this striking, graphic black ink; the positive and negative space, the balance between darkness and light. It feels forceful, intentional, and bold. I can imagine the artist's hand moving deliberately across the paper, each stroke carefully considered to create the intricate details of the coat of arms, the swirling dolphins. I imagine him stepping back to consider it, turning the paper, looking at it from all angles to make sure the composition worked. I am struck by the way the dark ink defines the contours of the shield and the decorative elements surrounding it; it reminds me of woodcuts and printmaking. The way he uses the black to create depth and dimension is really impressive. There is something primal and declarative about the process here. Cachet is in conversation with other artists and designers. It makes me wonder what they said to each other, what they thought about each other’s work? Painting is just people talking to each other across time, inspiring each other to make new things.