Overwintering op Nova Zembla, 1596-1597 1600 - 1610

Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo created this print, "Overwintering op Nova Zembla, 1596-1597," depicting a harrowing episode from Dutch history. This print encapsulates the intersection of Dutch exploration, ambition, and the brutal realities of nature. Made in the Netherlands, this image reveals much about the period's relentless pursuit of new trade routes, even in the face of danger. The four panels show the crew of Willem Barentsz's ship stranded in the Arctic, battling polar bears, building shelters from driftwood, and preparing to set off once more. What's striking here is how this print serves as a form of propaganda. It speaks to the cultural values of perseverance and ingenuity while subtly promoting the economic interests driving these voyages. The orderly composition and detailed depiction of the crew's activities serve to elevate this expedition, framing it as a heroic endeavour rather than a desperate struggle for survival. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the archives of the Dutch East India Company, and ships logs. By exploring these resources, we can grasp the complex interplay between commerce, exploration, and the social construction of heroism in the Dutch Golden Age.