Gezicht op de Russische nederzetting te Malye Karmakuly, Nova Zembla c. 1880 - 1888

Louis Apol made this pencil drawing of the Russian settlement at Malye Karmakuly, Nova Zembla. Apol was known for his winter landscapes, and in 1883, he accompanied an expedition to Nova Zembla in the Arctic. This drawing captures the stark reality of a remote settlement, rendered with a sense of isolation. The Russian presence in Nova Zembla represents a history of exploration, resource extraction, and geopolitical strategy in the Arctic region, with significant consequences for the Indigenous Nenets people. Apol’s portrayal invites reflection on the human impact on extreme environments, and prompts us to consider the complex relationships between exploration, exploitation, and the resilience of communities living in these areas. It invites a dialogue about the cultural and environmental implications of venturing into and settling remote regions.