Molen in weiland Possibly 1940 - 1945

Here's an anonymous artwork, a small photograph of a 'Molen in weiland' – that's 'windmill in a meadow' in Dutch – found in the Rijksmuseum. It's striking how the sepia tones create this wistful, dreamy vibe, like the memory of a past summer's afternoon. I imagine the photographer, maybe out for a stroll, spotting the windmill and feeling compelled to capture it. Was there a slight breeze? Were the blades turning, or still? You can imagine how the light and shadow would've played across the landscape. What I love about works like this is how they invite you to fill in the blanks. It speaks to the enduring power of simple scenes. It reminds me of the landscapes I tried to paint when I was younger. You know, you can almost feel the quiet hum of nature, the turning of the earth, the endless cycle of life.