Den skibbrudne Niels Klim reddes af to Qvamiter i en vidiebaad 1786 - 1788

J.F. Clemens created this engraving, "The Shipwrecked Niels Klim Rescued by Two Quamites in a Wicker Boat," in Denmark, sometime between 1748 and 1831. It visualizes an episode from Ludvig Holberg's satirical novel "Niels Klim's Underground Journey." Holberg, writing in the early 18th century, used science fiction to critique European society. Here, we see Niels Klim, the protagonist, being saved by inhabitants of the "underground" world of Nazar. Note the emphasis on their near-nudity and simple boat. These visual cues imply a critique of European sophistication, suggesting that simpler societies might be more virtuous. As art historians, we look to sources like Holberg's novel, contemporary political writings, and visual culture to understand the debates and social anxieties that shaped this image. Only through understanding the context of its creation can we grasp the artwork’s critical message and its role in shaping public discourse.