Reisverslag van eind augustus 1880 Possibly 1880 - 1888

This is a page from *Reisverslag van eind augustus 1880,* a travelogue from late August 1880, penned by Louis Apol. Apol, a Dutch painter associated with the Hague School, was known for his atmospheric landscapes, often depicting winter scenes. This page offers an intimate glimpse into his Arctic expedition aboard the Willem Barentsz, a journey sponsored by the Dutch newspaper *Het Nieuws van den Dag*. These expeditions, while framed as scientific endeavors, were also deeply embedded in the cultural project of exploration and discovery, reflecting Europe’s colonial gaze. Within this record of distances and coordinates, we find traces of human experience intertwined with the pursuit of geographical knowledge. While Apol sought to capture the essence of the Arctic through painting, this diary reminds us of the labor, the logistical challenges, and the human element behind such artistic endeavors. We gain insight into the emotional and physical realities of those who ventured into uncharted territories.