Landscape with a Windmill

Landscape with a Windmill is an early, powerful work by Jacob van Ruisdael, painted in 1646. Executed in oil on wood, the painting exemplifies the burgeoning independent landscape tradition that flourished in the 17th-century Netherlands. Though young at the time, Ruisdael already demonstrates a keen focus on dramatic skies and the powerful interaction between water, earth, and architecture—themes that would define his celebrated career.

The composition is dominated by a towering windmill, an essential feature of the infrastructure and terrain of the Netherlands. Ruisdael employs subtle, dramatic lighting and a low horizon line to emphasize the vastness and dynamism of the sky, which occupies nearly two-thirds of the panel. The atmosphere is heavy, characterized by approaching clouds that convey a specific mood of changeable weather, typical of the coastal region. The careful technique inherent in using oil on wood allowed the artist to render precise details in the foliage and the architectural elements, lending the scene both stark realism and compelling atmospheric depth. This focus on natural, unidealized scenery contrasted sharply with earlier European landscape conventions, establishing a uniquely Dutch vision.

This significant piece currently resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. As a historical work central to the development of European landscape art, the painting serves as a crucial document of Ruisdael’s early stylistic maturity before his move to Amsterdam. Because of its age and importance, this foundational painting is often reproduced; high-quality digital prints derived from the original imagery frequently fall within the realm of the public domain, allowing broader access to the master's vision.