Watermolen met brug over de rivier 1805 - 1841

Hans Willem Box etched "Watermolen met brug over de rivier," or "Watermill with bridge over the river" probably in the early 19th century, using delicate lines to create this small landscape. The composition is structured around a few key elements: the watermill on the left, a simple bridge leading to it, and a gently sloping hill on the right. The etching technique emphasizes texture, from the rough, wooden planks of the mill to the foliage of the trees. The artist’s use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth. Box uses the traditional landscape to explore the relationship between nature and the emerging industrial structures of the time. The watermill, a symbol of human intervention in nature, is presented as a harmonious part of the landscape. The artist emphasizes not just the visual aspects of the scene but also the cultural and historical context. Note how the delicate strokes create a formal harmony, reflecting a broader cultural engagement with nature and industry.