Dimensions: height 297 mm, width 210 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This design for a plate with the initials WB, was created by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, using graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor. It's amazing how much information is packed into this small design. Cachet's use of graphite creates a muted, textured ground against the vibrant yellow and orange details. Look closely at the interplay between the stylized initials and the surrounding botanical motifs, see how the leaves and berries create a sense of depth, almost like a three-dimensional relief. The red outline that circles the whole composition feels playful, but also defines the space. The transparency of the watercolors allows the graphite under-drawing to peek through, adding a subtle layer of complexity. It reminds me of the work of William Morris, in that it embraces ornamentation, but with a modern twist. This piece shows how art is a constant conversation, building on the past while forging new paths.
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