Cropped view of the Broekzijder mill on the Gein wings facing west
- Original dimensions
- 38.1 x 30.2 cm
- Museum
- Museum of Modern Art
- Year
- 1902
Scene depicted
The painting “Cropped View of the Broekzijder Mill on the Gein Wings Facing West” illustrates the serenity of a mill bathed in golden light, with pure geometric shapes tracing a composition that is both classic and modern. Here, the gaze is guided by lines and angles, celebrating the beauty of Dutch rural architecture in perfect balance, while the surrounding nature awakens a sense of untouched freedom.
Historical context
Year: 1902 |BRK| Museum: Museum of Modern Art |BRK| Dimensions: 38.1 x 30.2 cm
Place in the artist's career
This painting stands as a turning point in Mondrian's career, marking a transition to a more radical abstraction. It beautifully dialogues with other landmark works, such as “Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow” and “Painting in Red, Black, Blue, and Yellow,” revealing a stylistic evolution towards a progressive simplification of forms and colors. “Cropped View” is the link between his natural interpretation and his ultimate abstraction.
Anecdote
“Beauty lies in simplicity,” said Mondrian. He drew inspiration from the peace of a misty morning, when the wings of the Broekzijder mill gently embraced the daylight. This encounter between nature and creativity materialized in the painting , endowing it with an unparalleled evocative power. This artwork becomes an invitation to meditation with every gaze upon it.