Gezicht op een molen aan het water c. 1877 - 1887

Here we have 'Gezicht op een molen aan het water', a small etching by Egbert Rubertus Derk Schaap. Schaap was working in a time of major shifts. The Netherlands were dealing with changing political ideals. The rise of industrialization and urbanization challenged traditional rural ways of life. Schaap, who lived most of his life in a small Dutch village, found solace in portraying serene landscapes. The scene captured here is a quiet image of a windmill near the water. This imagery evokes feelings of nostalgia. In the social context of the time, windmills symbolized Dutch heritage and the battle against the waters, suggesting themes of national identity and pride. Yet the emotional impact of this etching invites reflection on how the Dutch saw themselves, not just as a nation but as individuals rooted in their land. 'Gezicht op een molen aan het water' then, provides not just a visual experience, but also a moment to think about the intersection of personal emotion, collective identity, and historical context.