Molen by Jan Veth

1880 - 1900

Molen

Jan Veth's Profile Picture

Jan Veth

1864 - 1925

Location

Rijksmuseum

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Curatorial notes

Jan Veth created this etching called 'Molen'. Veth was a multifaceted figure during the Dutch Golden Age, active as an artist, poet, art critic, and professor. His portraits, particularly of writers and intellectuals, reflect his deep engagement with the cultural and intellectual life of his time. He was deeply interested in the human condition. Here we see a striking image of a solitary windmill. The windmill is a potent symbol of Dutch identity and ingenuity. It's a testament to the country's history of land reclamation and struggle against the waters. Veth captures not just a structure, but a symbol of perseverance. This rendering presents the windmill in an almost ethereal light.