A striking woodcut by Dutch designer Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, featuring the phrase Kennis is macht within a decorative, symmetrical Art Nouveau frame.

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet was a prominent Dutch artist and designer, known for his contributions to the decorative arts and graphic design during the turn of the twentieth century. This woodcut, titled Kennis is macht (Knowledge is Power), displays the characteristic stylistic approach of the Dutch Art Nouveau movement, often referred to as Nieuwe Kunst. The work features a central typographic element enclosed within a highly stylised, symmetrical border. The design relies on the contrast between the dark, bold ink and the lighter paper ground. The border consists of interlocking, curvilinear forms that echo the organic shapes favoured by designers of the period. These shapes create a rhythmic, decorative frame that directs the viewer's attention toward the central message. The lettering itself is integrated into the overall composition, maintaining a balance between legibility and ornamental structure. Lion Cachet was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, particularly the work of William Morris. He sought to elevate the status of applied arts, ensuring that functional objects and graphic works possessed the same artistic integrity as fine art. His work often utilised traditional techniques, such as woodblock printing, to produce designs that were both modern and rooted in historical craft practices. This piece is a clear example of his ability to synthesise text and ornament into a cohesive visual unit. The stark, two-tone palette is typical of his graphic output, where the economy of means serves to clarify the message. The work remains a representative example of Dutch graphic design from the early 1900s, reflecting the period's interest in geometric abstraction and the stylisation of natural forms.