Molen bij Delft, vermoedelijk naar Anthonie Waldorp Possibly 1876 - 1879

This sketch, "Molen bij Delft," attributed to Johannes Tavenraat, captures a windmill near Delft. Windmills, like the one rendered here, transcend mere utility. They symbolize human ingenuity, our enduring efforts to harness nature's power. Throughout history, the image of the wheel, whether in mills or celestial charts, recurs. Think of the Buddhist Wheel of Dharma, or the medieval Rota Fortunae, each reflecting cycles of change. The windmill’s cyclical motion mirrors the eternal return, echoing ancient myths. The psychological resonance lies in the reassurance of continuity and the human ability to find order in chaos. Yet, the windmill morphs across time, from a symbol of pastoral life to a reminder of industrial progress. Like the serpent Ouroboros, these images resurface, evolving yet retaining their primal symbolic weight.