The Winkel Mill (1908)

Piet Mondrian's 1908 painting "The Winkel Mill" offers a vibrant, dynamic portrayal of a traditional Dutch windmill, illustrating the artist's early experimentation with color and form which would eventually lead him to the abstract style he is renowned for. The painting captures the mill in a robust interplay of colors and brisk brushstrokes, portraying its solid, imposing structure against a lively, textured background.The mill itself, central to the composition, dominates the scene with its bold, purple and brown hues. It stands as a steadfast symbol amidst a flurry of colors that seem to denote the natural and bustling environment. The blades of the mill stretch out, almost touching the edges of the canvas, suggesting movement and the mill's integral role in this landscape.Surrounding the mill, Mondrian uses an exuberant palette to depict the ground and skies. Swatches of yellow, blue, green, and orange suggest a field dotted with flowers and the reflection of a sunny day, giving the scene a sense of warmth and vibrancy. This energetic application of paint creates a sense of depth and texture, making the scene pulse with life."The Winkel Mill" not only reflects Mondrian's roots in depicting natural landscapes but also hints at his journey towards abstraction. The use of color to convey emotion and the simplified forms seen in the mill and its surroundings showcase his break from traditional forms and his stride towards a more modernist aesthetic.