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The Truncated Windmill by Jacob Maris

Jacob Maris · 1872-01-01

Jacob Maris's 'The Truncated Windmill,' 1872, captured a quiet moment in the Dutch landscape. This oil painting exemplifies the Hague School's focus on atmosphere and everyday scenes. Notice the truncated windmill, its blades gone, standing against a dominant, softly lit sky. The thick application of paint, especially in the water and earth, gives the scene a palpable texture, characteristic of Maris's technique. The lone figure by the canal invites contemplation on isolation within this industrial yet natural setting. Maris was a leading Dutch landscape painter, known for his evocative portrayals of rural life and waterways, making this work a significant piece from the Hague School movement.

Details

Thick paint creates a tangible texture here.
Thick paint creates a tangible texture here.
The sky dominates, heavy with soft light.
The sky dominates, heavy with soft light.
The central, imposing structure that gives the painting its name, suggesting a focus on industrial or agricultural heritage.
The central, imposing structure that gives the painting its name, suggesting a focus on industrial or agricultural heritage.
Transcript

A lone figure walks away from us. The windmill tower has lost its arms. Jacob Maris painted this in 1872. Thick paint creates a tangible texture here. The sky dominates, heavy with soft light. A small boat is barely visible. Maris was a key figure of the Hague School. He captured the mood of the Dutch countryside.