Gezicht op de molen Rijn en Lek te Wijk bij Duurstede Possibly 1906 - 1909

Willem Witsen created this pencil drawing of the mill Rijn en Lek at Wijk bij Duurstede around the turn of the century. Witsen belonged to a group of Dutch artists who embraced Impressionism, influenced by their French contemporaries. This image provides a glimpse into the past, showing a quintessential Dutch scene. The windmill, a symbol of Dutch ingenuity in water management, stands proudly against the skyline. But this is more than a landscape; it’s a cultural statement. During Witsen’s time, the Netherlands was undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Artists like Witsen turned to the countryside, seeking to preserve a sense of national identity rooted in its rural past. Historians can turn to sources like exhibition reviews, artists' letters, and economic data to understand the context in which the artwork was created. The drawing invites us to consider the relationship between art, identity, and social change.