Landschap met molen aan het water 1850 - 1913

This is Emile Frédéric Salmon’s delicate etching, “Landschap met molen aan het water,” which translates to "Landscape with mill on the water." Salmon, who lived from 1840 to 1913, situates us in the rural European landscape that was rapidly changing due to industrialization. During Salmon’s lifetime, artists wrestled with how to represent the modern world, often looking to the countryside as a site of authenticity and tradition. This piece captures that longing for a simpler time, yet the presence of the water mill hints at the changing economic structures. The scene invites us to consider how technology shapes our relationship to the land and to each other. Salmon, through his intricate lines, asks us to reflect on what is gained and what is lost in the pursuit of progress. The quiet stillness of the scene evokes a sense of nostalgia, while the industrious water mill serves as a reminder of the relentless march of time.