Windmill 1895

Fritz Overbeck made this print, Windmill, using etching techniques. Overbeck was a part of the Worpswede artist colony. He and other artists sought refuge in the countryside, rejecting the industrialization and urbanization that was transforming Germany at the turn of the century. The image presents a quaint scene: a weathered windmill stands silhouetted against a brooding sky, while a figure ambles along a path. Yet, the print’s somber tones and rough textures hint at a deeper unease. Perhaps, Overbeck was feeling isolated from the changes of his time. Through this work, Overbeck seems to express a longing for a simpler way of life, one deeply connected to the land and untouched by the forces of modernity. The image encourages us to consider how our own sense of identity and belonging are shaped by the world around us. It's a personal reflection on the tensions between tradition and progress.