Jim Butcher: Dutch Windmill

Artist: Jim Butcher
1944 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 17.5 by 22.5 inches
Overall Size: 23.5 by 28.5 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board

Puritans erected the first copies of Dutch mills in the colonies, and eventually, most American windmills became associated with Holland. But the original Dutch Windmills, as graceful as maidens in broad skirts, have toiled in the fields of Holland since the 17th century. A Dutchman, Jan Adriaenszoon, also known as Leeghwater because he taught his countrymen to master the encroaching seas, invented the Dutch tower mill. Inspired by the European smock mills, he invented the Dutch mills to be turned to face the wind just by adjusting the cap. Eventually, Leeghwater's inventions became the wind-taming giants that provided energy for the industrialization of the Netherlands. Often built in lonely fields, Dutch Windmills also provided shelter for travelers, while the mills' broad sails acted as landmarks. The Dutch Mill depicted on this artwork is a recognizable landmark about fifty miles from Chicago. Originally, the mill was erected in York Center, Illinois, between 1848 and 1880. In 1914, a wealthy eccentric bought the mill and moved it to its present location near Batavia, Illinois. During World War II, the mill was in excellent working order. When wheat rationing was instituted, the farmer cranked up the old mill, ground his own wheat and baked bread in its basement. Today, this old Dutch Windmill is still a stirring sight. Larger than many American mills, it supports intricate inner mechanisms, and the handrubbed interior adds a touch of old-world elegance to the mill's interior.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 15¢ Dutch Windmill stamp issued February 7, 1980.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05998

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