Molen aan een waterkant before 1893

Willem Wenckebach rendered this waterside mill with ink on paper. The entire composition is constructed through an interplay of line, each stroke carefully placed to define form and texture. Notice how the lines vary in thickness and density, creating a sense of depth and shadow that articulates the windmill's structure and its surrounding vegetation. This technique transforms a simple scene into a dynamic visual experience. The cross-hatching on the mill contrasts with the horizontal strokes suggesting the water’s gentle flow. The stark contrast between the white of the paper and the black ink enhances the architectural details. Through structuralism, this artwork can be decoded as a system of signs, where the windmill symbolizes Dutch heritage. The piece challenges fixed meanings, prompting a re-evaluation of cultural symbols.