Polder Landscape with a Train and a Small Windmill on the Horizon is a notable work by Piet Mondrian, created during the years 1906 to 1907. This period in Mondrian’s artistic journey was marked by his evolving style, which would later become known as neo-plasticism. In this phase, Mondrian began to move away from representational forms, focusing instead on the essential elements of lines, rectangles, and primary colors. His professional education in art and inspiration from early 20th-century avant-garde artists and writers played a significant role in this transformation.
The artwork itself, Polder Landscape with a Train and a Small Windmill on the Horizon, captures a scene that is quintessentially Dutch, reflecting Mondrian’s roots and the landscapes he would have been familiar with. The presence of the train and windmill suggests a blend of the natural landscape with the emerging industrial one, indicative of the modern reality Mondrian sought to represent through his abstract vision.
Mondrian’s development into abstraction was also influenced by his exposure to Post-Impressionist techniques and the bold use of color by artists like Vincent van Gogh. His early works, such as Gray Tree and Red Cloud, show a vigorous use of color and a break from traditional Dutch painting. By the time he painted Windmill in Sunlight (1908), his palette was limited to primary hues, showcasing his mastery of evoking strong, radiant sunshine.
As Mondrian continued to develop his style, he joined movements like De Stijl (“The Style”), contributing significantly to modern abstract art. His most famous pieces, such as Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow, demonstrate the culmination of his artistic philosophy, where he used straight lines, right angles, and a reduced color palette to create a sense of harmony and balance.
In summary, Polder Landscape with a Train and a Small Windmill on the Horizon represents an important moment in Mondrian’s career, capturing the transitional phase towards the abstract style that would define his legacy as a key figure in 20th-century art.
