Molens 1875 - 1903

Jan de Haan created "Molens" using lithography, presenting a series of images that capture the form and function of windmills in the Dutch landscape and industry. The composition is divided into a grid, each rectangle framing a different type of mill and its particular operation. Observe how de Haan uses line and form to delineate the structures; the windmills stand as vertical assertions against the horizontal landscape, while the interiors are studies in circular motion and industrial process. The palette is muted, with earth tones dominating, creating a sense of functionality and grounding. The images don’t just represent windmills; they depict systems, where the aesthetic of the mills is intrinsically linked to their role within the socio-economic structure of the time. De Haan invites us to see beyond the surface, challenging us to interpret these scenes as part of a broader network of labour, energy, and progress.