Onderstuk van een korenmolen in Brugge 1899

Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp made this print of a windmill's base in Bruges using etching techniques. It shows us not just a structure, but a stage in the city's life. The image creates meaning through its specific depiction of Bruges, likely made in the late 19th or early 20th century. At this time, Bruges was experiencing a cultural reawakening, often referred to as a "Bruges la Morte," a revival of its medieval past. We see this reflected in the romanticized depiction of old structures against the city skyline. But the angle from below the structure also suggests decay and the effects of time. Windmills, once central to the economy, were becoming obsolete. The city was changing. Understanding this print means digging into the historical context: economic shifts, artistic movements, and local Bruges' cultural identity. By exploring archival materials, local histories, and the artist's other works, we begin to appreciate how art captures and comments on the currents of societal change.