Jacob Maris – A Windmill and Houses beside Water – Stormy Sky Part 4 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a landscape dominated by a turbulent sky and a body of water reflecting its mood. A windmill stands prominently on the horizon line, flanked by indistinct dwellings that suggest a small settlement. The foreground features a low-lying bank or embankment, partially submerged in the water, creating a sense of depth.
Here we see an emphasis on atmospheric conditions; the sky is rendered with vigorous brushstrokes, conveying a palpable feeling of impending storm. Patches of blue peek through the dense cloud cover, offering a fleeting glimpse of light but doing little to alleviate the overall somber tone. The water’s surface mirrors the skys agitation, its reflections blurred and indistinct, contributing to the paintings melancholic atmosphere.
The artist employed a muted palette, primarily consisting of grays, browns, and blues. This restricted color range reinforces the feeling of bleakness and isolation. The windmill, while centrally positioned, appears somewhat forlorn against the backdrop of the stormy sky, suggesting vulnerability and resilience in equal measure. A scattering of birds punctuates the upper portion of the canvas, their presence adding a touch of life to an otherwise desolate scene.
The painting evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and perhaps even a subtle feeling of unease. The indistinct nature of the buildings and the lack of human figures contribute to this impression; it is a landscape observed from a distance, devoid of immediate human interaction. One might interpret the work as a meditation on the power of nature and its impact on human existence, or as an exploration of solitude and resilience in the face of adversity. The artists technique – the loose brushwork and emphasis on atmospheric effects – suggests an interest in capturing fleeting moments and conveying emotional states rather than precise topographical detail.