Rivierlandschap met molen en kerk bij maanlicht 1875 - 1913

Charles Mertens created this delicate etching of a riverside scene with a mill and church under moonlight at the turn of the 20th century. The image, rendered in the subtle tones of black and white etching, evokes a sense of quiet and contemplation. Made in the Netherlands, a land known for its waterways and windmills, the scene encapsulates a very specific cultural and geographical identity. Windmills, in particular, were crucial to the economic infrastructure of the country and the Dutch landscape. They were widely celebrated and became potent symbols of Dutch identity. The inclusion of a church in the background reminds us of the important role of religion in community life during this period. To fully understand this artwork, we might explore Dutch landscape painting of the period. The museum or gallery archives could also reveal more about Mertens's artistic training and influences. This will contextualize the artwork within a network of social and institutional relations.