Kalenderblad november 1899 1899

This calendar page for November 1899 was designed by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, and printed using lithography. Lithography is a printmaking technique where an image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then chemically treated so ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The design is then transferred to paper. What sets this print apart, is how Cachet has brought together decorative motifs with a strong, modernist sensibility for typography. Consider the amount of labor involved in crafting this calendar. Each element, from the stylized botanical patterns to the precise arrangement of numbers and letters, would have demanded skilled hands. Look at the flat planes of color and the crispness of the lines. This reflects not only Cachet's artistic vision but also the capabilities and limitations of the lithographic process. The making, materials, and social context are vital for understanding the value and complexities of this artwork. Cachet bridges the gap between fine art and craft.