Aankomst op Nova Zembla Possibly 1880 - 1887

This is a pencil sketch entitled "Arrival at Nova Zembla" by Louis Apol. It depicts a scene from the Dutch expedition to the arctic island, Nova Zembla. Apol was known for his winter landscapes and scenes of Dutch life, but this one suggests a specific moment in Dutch history. We see this drawing in light of the late 19th century, a time when national identity and heroic narratives were being constructed through art and literature. The Dutch, like other European powers, were engaged in exploration and scientific endeavors, and these events were often celebrated. Nova Zembla, with its harsh conditions, becomes a stage for demonstrating Dutch resilience and determination. What's particularly interesting is the sketch-like quality. It invites us to consider the artist’s process. Archival research into the diaries and accounts from the expedition might reveal how artists like Apol contributed to the construction of national identity. By studying Apol's contemporaries and the institutions that supported such work, we can better understand the social and political dimensions of this image.