Molen Rijn en Lek te Wijk bij Duurstede 1906 - 1907

This is a drawing by Willem Witsen, titled ‘Molen Rijn en Lek te Wijk bij Duurstede’. The drawing presents a landscape dominated by a large windmill to the left, its form rendered with dense, expressive marks that convey volume and texture. The composition is structured around the contrast between the solidity of the mill and the fluidity suggested by the horizontal strokes indicating water. Witsen employs charcoal to explore tonal variations, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The drawing might be read as an exploration of how industrial structures intersect with natural environments. This invites a semiotic analysis, where the windmill functions as a signifier of Dutch identity and technological progress, juxtaposed against the organic forms of the trees on the right. Ultimately, the drawing challenges a singular interpretation, engaging the viewer in a visual dialogue about the dynamic interplay between nature and industry.