Artwork
The Windmill
The Windmill is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jacob Maris. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Jacob Maris painted *The Windmill* in 1890, employing oil on canvas to capture a tranquil Dutch landscape. The composition centers on a solitary windmill set against a sky mottled with clouds, with water in the foreground reflecting both structure and atmosphere. The work resides in the Rijksmuseum’s collection, representing Maris’s mature period within the Hague School.
Subject & Meaning
The scene presents a traditional Dutch windmill perched on the left, its silhouette anchored by a modest body of water that mirrors the surrounding sky. Sparse trees frame the left side, adding depth and suggesting the quiet rhythm of rural life. The overall mood conveys a serene, contemplative view of the countryside, emphasizing the enduring presence of the windmill in the landscape.
Technique & Style
Maris applies a palette of subdued, earthy tones to the windmill while allowing brighter, more luminous hues to animate the sky and water. The handling of light and shadow creates a subtle chiaroscuro effect, giving the structure a three‑dimensional presence. Brushwork reflects an Impressionist influence, with loose, fluid strokes that convey atmospheric conditions rather than precise detail.
History & Provenance
Completed in the late nineteenth century, the painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing the Hague School and the broader development of Dutch landscape painting during that era.
Context
Maris, a prominent figure of the Hague School, was known for rendering the Dutch countryside with an emphasis on mood and weather. *The Windmill* aligns with his recurring focus on iconic rural elements—windmills, skies, and water—situating the work within a tradition that celebrated national scenery through a restrained, naturalistic lens.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob Henricus Maris (August 25, 1837 – August 7, 1899) was a Dutch painter, who with his brothers Willem and Matthijs belonged to what has come to be known as the Hague School of painters.
