An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
The Windmill at Wijk bij Duurstede, Jacob Isaacksz van Ruisdael, c. 1668 - c. 1670h 83cm × w 101cm
Jacob Isaacksz van Ruisdael
oil on canvas
As twilight fell gently across the horizon, a low perspective revealed the silhouette of a mill rising proudly against a tapestry of darkening sky. Its sails stood still, yet in that moment, they whispered tales of times long past. In the soft embrace of the evening air, just beyond the mill's steadfast presence, the figures of the distant castle and the solemn St. Maarten’s church emerged. They stood as silent guardians of Wijk bij Duurstede, a city that once thrived during the glorious Golden Age.
The Lek River meandered gracefully in the foreground, reflecting the cool hues of the coming night. Its surface danced with cool ripples, echoing the gentle whispers of the wind that ruffled the surrounding baylands. This was more than just a landscape; it was a quintessential Dutch scene, where flat fields stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with waterways, expansive skies, and the proud windmills that had long defined the region.
In this serene moment, one could almost feel the pulse of history beneath the calm waters; a reminder of a time when the land flourished, and ingenuity shaped the very fabric of life. Here, amidst this stunning panorama, nature and human achievement intertwined seamlessly, evoking a sense of harmony that fills the heart with peace.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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