Gezicht in vogelvlucht op Den Haag (linker plaat) 1608 - 1665

Jan van Londerseel's bird's-eye view of The Hague, made around the early 17th century, presents a landscape punctuated by windmills, not merely as functional structures, but as powerful symbols. These windmills, drawing energy from the very air, represent the ingenuity and industrious spirit of the Dutch people. We see similar motifs of human innovation harnessing natural forces throughout art history. Think of Da Vinci’s machines, or even further back, the water wheels depicted in Roman mosaics. What do they tell us about the relationship between the Dutch and their constant battle against the waters? Perhaps they are a potent symbol of dominance and control. Consider how this symbol has evolved. Once a testament to innovation, the windmill has now become a poignant reminder of a simpler, more sustainable past, often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia. This transformation speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols. They are born, they evolve, and they often return, laden with new layers of meaning.