Mill on a Canal c. 18th century

Editor: So, this is Cornelis Ploos van Amstel's "Mill on a Canal," housed right here at Harvard Art Museums. The sepia tones give it such a dreamy, nostalgic feel, almost like a faded photograph. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It whispers stories of simpler times, doesn't it? I imagine the artist finding solace in the quiet rhythm of Dutch canals. Notice how the reflections dance – they’re almost as tangible as the mill itself. Do you feel a sense of stillness? Editor: Absolutely, a very calming stillness. The reflections are beautifully rendered. Curator: Perhaps it's a yearning for a past that never truly existed, a romanticized view of rural life. Either way, it's a lovely escape. Editor: It definitely makes me want to visit the Dutch countryside!