Gezicht op de molen Rijn en Lek te Wijk bij Duurstede Possibly 1906 - 1909

Willem Witsen captured this view of the mill on the Rijn and Lek at Wijk bij Duurstede using graphite. The windmill, the most prominent feature, is more than a functional structure; it is a symbol deeply embedded in the Dutch identity. Consider how the windmill, with its rotating arms, represents the ceaseless turning of time and the cyclical nature of life. It is a motif that transcends its practical purpose, appearing in various forms across cultures, from ancient water wheels to Tibetan prayer wheels, each carrying connotations of movement and renewal. The image of the windmill, etched in our collective memory, evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more agrarian past. This enduring symbol engages our subconscious on a profound level, reminding us of our connection to the land and the passage of generations. Like a cultural echo, the windmill reappears throughout history, continually reborn with new layers of meaning, yet forever linked to its origins.