Gezicht vanaf een heuvel op de stad Kleef 1675 - 1711

This etching presents a panoramic view of Kleef, a town dominated by its church spires and the looming presence of a windmill on the horizon. The windmill, a symbol of human labor and technological advancement, punctuates the landscape, while the church connects us to the divine. The motif of the windmill has ancient roots, tracing back to Hero of Alexandria's designs. In medieval Europe, windmills became ubiquitous, not just as tools for grinding grain, but as potent symbols of local autonomy and industry. From simple technology to a cultural emblem, the windmill's evolution shows a cyclical progression. Over time it has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.