En mølle ved Lausanne 1813

J.P. Møller made this drawing of a mill near Lausanne with pen and brown ink, likely during his travels in the early 19th century. The choice of materials and technique gives the work a sketch-like quality, immediacy. But even a humble drawing like this one can tell us a lot about the world at the time. Mills like the one depicted were vital pieces of infrastructure. Their construction required skilled labor and specialized knowledge, reflecting an investment in local resources. But they also speak to the changing landscape of work, and the shift from hand power to machine power that was transforming society. The careful rendering of the mill's structure and the surrounding landscape suggests an appreciation for both the practical and aesthetic dimensions of this industrial scene. By paying attention to the materials, making and context of this seemingly simple artwork, we can gain a deeper understanding of its cultural and historical significance.