Albrecht Dürer’s artwork titled “Willow Mill” dates from between 1496 and 1498. The piece is rendered on paper and reflects the Northern Renaissance movement. It is classified as a landscape genre and is currently housed in the Bibliotheque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris, France.
The artwork “Willow Mill” depicts a serene, pastoral landscape featuring a mill, which is the main structure in the scene. It is situated alongside a body of water, likely a river, which reflects a warm, glowing sky with hues of yellow, orange, and hints of purple, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. A sizable willow tree, rich with foliage, stands prominently in the foreground, almost dominating the composition with its presence. The mill itself, along with several other buildings, appears rustic and somewhat dilapidated, capturing the charm of rural life. The bridge across the water adds to the functionality of the scene, enabling passage over the stream. The colors are somewhat muted, with the green of the willow and the reflections on the water providing a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. The overall effect is one of harmony between humans and their environment, characteristic of the Northern Renaissance’s detailed observation of the natural world. The complexity of the tree’s leaves and branches showcases Dürer’s attention to detail and skill in capturing nature’s essence.