A striking 1894 woodcut by Dutch artist Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, featuring a dynamic equestrian figure integrated with a decorative calendar grid.

This woodcut by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, dated 1894, represents the Dutch contribution to the Art Nouveau movement. The composition is divided into two distinct zones: an upper register featuring a dynamic, stylised figure on horseback, and a lower register containing the calendar grid for the month of April. The artist employs a high-contrast, monochromatic aesthetic typical of the period, where the black ink creates a dense, graphic texture against the paper. The horse and rider are rendered with sweeping, rhythmic lines that suggest movement, framed by organic, flowing forms that bleed into the borders of the print. Below, the calendar grid is integrated into a decorative structure, with the days of the week listed vertically and the dates arranged in columns. The typography is hand-drawn, echoing the fluid, curvilinear shapes found in the surrounding ornamentation. The entire design is enclosed within a border that balances geometric structure with the naturalistic, sinuous motifs favoured by designers of the late nineteenth century. Lion Cachet was a versatile artist, known for his work in graphic design, furniture, and textiles. This calendar page demonstrates his ability to unify functional information with decorative art. The woodcut technique allows for bold, expressive marks, which the artist uses to create a sense of depth and energy within a two-dimensional space. The work reflects the broader European interest in the synthesis of the arts, where everyday objects were elevated through careful design and craftsmanship. This print is a clear example of the graphic experimentation occurring in the Netherlands during the 1890s, where traditional techniques were adapted to suit the modern, decorative sensibilities of the time.