Windmill
Breughel's Eye was an exhibition route in the public space in and around Dilbeek, organized in the framework of the Breughel year. The sculpture Study for a Windmill was created for this occasion, drawing from a landscape motif found in the paintings of Pieter Breughel the Elder. It is said that Breughel travelled several times from Brussels to the countryside to sketch views of this typical Flemish landscape. In paintings such as The Procession to Calvary from 1564, depictions of Flemish post mills can be found.
These types of windmills are both part of the productive landscape, as well as landmarks that structure the pictorial landscape. They serve as beacons that punctuate panoramic views, and focal points within a view or composition. Study for a Windmill is such a beacon, yet without interrupting the view. The sculpture is a ½ scale model of a post mill, made from reinforcing steel. It is conceived as a line drawing in steel. The steel bars are extended slightly beyond their connection points, reminiscent of a freehand sketch.
This windmill, then, almost looks like a mirage in the Brussels landscape. The sculpture evokes a sketchy play of lines; a sketch by Breughel that has come to life.
COMMISSION
Dilbeek Municipality
LOCATION
Dilbeek (BE)