Molen langs een rivier c. 1745 - 1785

Anthonij van der Haer's "Molen langs een rivier" is an etching that captures a serene waterside scene with a meticulous eye for detail. The composition is structured around the strong vertical of the windmill and its juxtaposition with the horizontal landscape. The textured thatched roof of a nearby structure and reflections in the water create a play of light and shadow. Van der Haer skillfully uses line to define form and texture, creating depth and atmosphere. We see this in the rendering of the clouds, the subtle ripples on the water and the intricate detailing of the mill's structure. The figures in the boat, the ducks swimming in the foreground, and the people on the balcony add human elements. This etching uses its formal elements to engage with ideas of nature, rural life, and the picturesque. The artist's structured approach invites us to appreciate not just the scene, but also the formal qualities that shape our perception and understanding of the world. The artwork invites contemplation and interpretation.