A striking lithographic design by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, featuring the schematic layout of KPM vessels amidst expressive, fluid water motifs.

This graphic work by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet depicts a schematic plan of a vessel belonging to the Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM). The composition centres on a stylised overhead view of the ship, surrounded by expressive, painterly marks that suggest the movement of water. The artist employs a limited palette of blue, white, and grey to create a contrast between the technical precision of the ship's layout and the fluid, abstract nature of the surrounding sea. Lion Cachet was a prominent Dutch designer, known for his contributions to the decorative arts and graphic design during the early twentieth century. His work often bridged the gap between industrial utility and artistic expression. This particular piece functions as a promotional or commemorative graphic, likely produced to celebrate the KPM fleet, which included the vessels named in the text: MS Boissevain, MS Ruys, and MS Tegelberg. These ships were significant in the maritime history of the Dutch East Indies, and the design reflects the modern, streamlined aesthetic prevalent in the late 1930s. The print demonstrates the artist's ability to integrate typography with geometric forms. The text is arranged to frame the ship, maintaining a balance between the informational content and the decorative elements. The use of lithography allows for the soft, layered quality of the blue ink, which mimics the appearance of waves or foam. This work provides a glimpse into the intersection of corporate identity and artistic practice during the interwar period, capturing the spirit of maritime travel through a distinctively modern lens. It remains a clear example of how commercial design was approached with a high degree of artistic consideration during this era.