The Mill

The Mill is a notable painting by the Dutch baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn, created around the mid-17th century, with the exact dates often cited as between 1645 and 1648 or approximately 1650.

Key Features

The painting features a windmill as its central focus, set against a dramatic sky. Initially, the sky appeared dark and stormy due to darkened and discolored varnish, which was later removed during a restoration from 1977 to 1979. After the restoration, the sky was revealed to be blue and steel-gray, with bright sails on the windmill's vanes drawing the viewer's attention.

The windmill is depicted on a bulwark, taking advantage of the additional height, and is symbolically portrayed as a guardian protecting the land and its people. It is possible that Rembrandt based this scene on his father's mill on the ramparts of Leiden, although the scene is highly imaginative.

Composition and Symbolism

The painting includes various figures and activities in the foreground, such as a woman washing linen, a man pushing a barrow, and a ferry-boat approaching. These elements add to the dynamic and lively atmosphere of the scene.

The tonal arrangement of the windmill's vanes is noteworthy, with each vane representing one of the four possible tonal arrangements (light against dark, dark against light, dark against dark, and light against light).

Provenance and Attribution

For a long time, the attribution of The Mill to Rembrandt was doubted, but it has been largely accepted as his work following restorations and scholarly analysis. The painting is part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Historical Significance

The Mill is celebrated as one of Rembrandt's greatest creations, showcasing his technical skill and ability to convey emotion through his artwork. It reflects his mastery in landscape painting, a genre that was less common in his oeuvre compared to his portraits and history paintings.

Restoration

The restoration of the painting in 1977-1979 significantly altered its appearance, removing the old varnish and revealing the original colors and intent of the artist. This restoration changed the painting's symbolic character, shifting from a romantic and heavy atmosphere to a brighter and more vibrant scene.