Winterlandschap met molen 1789 - 1859

Pieter de Goeje made this Winter Landscape with a Mill as an etching sometime in the first half of the 19th century. During this period, the Netherlands experienced significant social and economic changes. As you look at this piece, consider the role of windmills, not just as picturesque elements, but as vital components of the Dutch economy, reclaiming land and providing power. Here, we see a lone figure standing in what looks like a small boat or large tub. The figure wears simple clothing with their head wrapped, and they carry something on their back. It seems a quiet, almost somber moment. This individual's presence introduces questions about labor, land use, and the human impact on the landscape. Who is she? What work does she do? Consider how De Goeje's work reflects and shapes perceptions of Dutch identity, hard work, and the relationship between people and the environment. It evokes a quiet contemplation on the many forms of labor that shape our world.