The Windmill at Wijk bij Duurstede (Ruisdael)

One of the most perfect pictures ever painted, in my opinion. Somehow it manages to be jolly and foreboding at the same time. The sky appears to be whipping itself up into a North Sea frenzy as none of the maids traipsing along the shoreline notice. Is that ship trying to make the dock or are they convinced it's just a fine breeze for sailing? The combination of subject, composition, realistic paint handling, and placement all line up to make this an image that you will tear yourself away from after staring too long. It is hypnotic. Marine vanilla with an oakwood accord, silk accord, and two golden ambers. Dry and sophisticated and somehow resinous despite its aquatic parent. Highly unusual and very attractive.