Landschap met boerderijen en een molen 1845

Cornelis Steffelaar etched this landscape with farmhouses and a mill, capturing a serene Dutch scene. The windmill, a prominent symbol, stands tall against the horizon. It is a nod to Dutch ingenuity and the battle against nature, harnessing the wind's power. The windmill's form is not unique, but it echoes the visual language of the cross, an ancient symbol of axis mundi, a connection between the earthly and the divine. This potent image reappears across cultures, symbolizing balance and the cyclical nature of life. Think of the Celtic cross, or even mandalas. The psychological power lies in its evocation of progress and tradition. The turning blades evoke movement, mirroring our constant striving, while its rooted structure speaks to stability, reminding us of our connection to the earth. This dichotomy touches our subconscious, reflecting a deeper human desire to reconcile change with enduring values.