Windmills at Montmartre 1886

"Windmills at Montmartre" is a landscape drawing by Vincent van Gogh, created during his time in Paris. Van Gogh moved to Montmartre in 1886, joining his brother Theo. Here, the churning windmills and wild vegetation are presented with an immediacy which perhaps speaks to Van Gogh's mindset at the time. The scene is depicted using expressive marks in charcoal, reflecting his experimentation with different styles. Montmartre, known for its working-class population, nightlife, and artist studios, had a bohemian vibe, and Van Gogh aimed to capture its raw essence. These windmills, which are also a connection to his Dutch homeland, were an escape for Van Gogh. As he wrote to his brother Theo: “It’s a pity you can’t both see it now — I believe you’d be feeling the passion for painting again too”. This work captures the heart of a time when Van Gogh was feeling the pulse of change while also feeling the embrace of Paris. The drawing stands as a testament to Van Gogh's quest to find beauty in the ordinary.