An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
The Bewitched MillFranz Marc
German, 1880–1916
1913
Germany
Without frame: 130.2 × 90.8 cm (51 5/16 × 35 3/4 in.); 130.2 × 91.2 cm (51 1/4 × 35 7/8 in.)
Oil on canvas
Arthur Jerome Eddy Memorial Collection
['Century of Progress', "world's fairs", "Chicago World's Fairs", 'deers', 'animals', 'birds', 'trees', 'cities', 'mechanical', 'mills', 'rivers', 'water']
['oil on canvas', 'painting', 'modern and contemporary art']
Among the German Expressionists, artists who used strong color and exaggerated form to express emotional content, Franz Marc was unique in his empathic interest in the life of animals. "Is there a more mysterious idea," he asked, "than to imagine how nature is reflected in the eyes of animals?" Beginning in 1905, he devoted himself to representing the world with a fresh and purifying vision. Marc painted The Bewitched Mill following a sojourn to the Italian town of Merano in the southern Tirol. The work's title refers to the "magical" harmony he sensed there between human life, represented by the houses and mill on the left, and nature, embodied by the lyrical region of trees and animals on the right.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In the heart of the German Expressionist movement, where colors leapt off the canvas and forms twisted like emotions in a storm, there lived an artist named Franz Marc. Unlike many of his contemporaries, whose manic brushstrokes conveyed human struggle, Marc found himself drawn deeply into the world of animals. With a contemplative gaze, he posed a thought that resonated within his soul: "Is there a more mysterious idea than to imagine how nature is reflected in the eyes of animals?"
Around 1905, a pivotal year in his artistic journey, Marc set out to infuse his work with a refreshing clarity. It was during a quiet retreat in the charming town of Merano, nestled in the southern Tirol, that inspiration struck him profoundly. The scenery around him seemed to pulse with life, creating a vivid tableau where the simplicity of existence flourished.
Eager to capture this extraordinary communion between humanity and nature, he would soon create a masterpiece titled The Bewitched Mill. As he painted, a vision unfolded before him. On the left side of the canvas, he depicted sturdy houses and a quaint mill—symbols of human life and industry. Their sturdy forms stood firm, yet they were enveloped in a gentle embrace with the natural world that lay to the right.
Here, fantastic trees and joyous animals danced into view, illustrating the “magical” harmony that Marc felt so acutely during his time in Merano. His brushstrokes brought forth a lyrical unity, where each element—both human and animal—intertwined seamlessly, whispering stories of coexistence and shared wonder.
Through The Bewitched Mill, Marc invited us into his mind, encouraging us to reflect on the beauty that emerges when we allow ourselves to see the world through the eyes of the creatures that share it with us. In that space of connection, the essence of life flourished, echoing the profound empathy that defined his artistic vision.
About the artist
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603
The best place to view The Art Institute of Chicago‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.