A Windmill against a Cloudy Sky

Französische Grafik 1845–1855, 1845/1850

The artwork presents a windmill prominently positioned, slightly off-center to the left, with its sails extending against a backdrop of a cloudy sky. The horizon is not distinctly visible, but the sky occupies much of the upper portion, filled with swirling clouds painted in hues of cream, gray, and subtle blue. The brushstrokes capture the movement and texture of the sky. The windmill stands on a raised platform, its structure rendered in earthy tones, with hints of red and brown. In the distance, the landscape is dotted with trees and a small waterway, blending into the scene. The color palette is predominantly muted, with darker tones close to us and slightly brighter, softer colors in the sky.
Artist
Französische Grafik 1845–1855
Date
1845/1850
Type
Drawing
Medium
oil paint and black chalk over charcoal on tan paper
Dimensions
46.7 × 36.5 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

The artwork presents a windmill prominently positioned, slightly off-center to the left, with its sails extending against a backdrop of a cloudy sky. The horizon is not distinctly visible, but the sky occupies much of the upper portion, filled with swirling clouds painted in hues of cream, gray, and subtle blue. The brushstrokes capture the movement and texture of the sky. The windmill stands on a raised platform, its structure rendered in earthy tones, with hints of red and brown. In the distance, the landscape is dotted with trees and a small waterway, blending into the scene. The color palette is predominantly muted, with darker tones close to us and slightly brighter, softer colors in the sky.

Französische Grafik 1845–1855