Gezicht op Nova Zembla, mogelijk de zuidzuidoostzijde 1880

Louis Apol created this pencil drawing titled 'View of Nova Zembla, possibly the south-southeast side'. Apol, known for his winter landscapes, ventured to the arctic in 1880 as part of a Dutch expedition. This trip marked a significant point in his career, reflecting the cultural fascination with arctic exploration during the late 19th century. The stark, untouched landscapes of Nova Zembla, now part of Russia, fueled the imagination of many Europeans, symbolizing both the sublime power of nature and the ambitions of colonial expansion. Apol's choice to depict this remote region through a medium as unassuming as pencil, offers an intimate glimpse into a world then largely unknown. The sketch captures the quiet grandeur of the Arctic, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between humanity and the natural world. It speaks to a time of discovery, adventure, and the complex interplay between scientific exploration and artistic expression.