House and Windmill on the Bank of a Canal c. 1650

Jacob van Ruisdael's "House and Windmill on the Bank of a Canal" is a c. 1650 drawing that captures a quintessential Dutch landscape. Executed in graphite, the sketch depicts a windmill and a modest house situated on a canal, with a cluster of trees to the left and a serene sky above. Ruisdael, known for his masterful landscapes, used quick, gestural lines to render the scene, creating a sense of immediacy and the fleetingness of the moment. The drawing is housed in the Städel Museum, offering a glimpse into the artist's meticulous observation of the everyday world.