Gezicht op het varen van de schepen op de ijszee 1742 - 1801

Georg Balthasar Probst created this print depicting ships navigating an icy sea. It's important to consider the context of maritime exploration and trade when viewing this work. The ships symbolize power, commerce, and the drive to chart new territories, often at the expense of Indigenous populations and the exploitation of resources. The inclusion of polar bears on the shoreline serves as a stark reminder of the environment impacted by these voyages. The scene may seem like a straightforward depiction of exploration, but let's consider what is missing here. Where are the people who would have been on these ships? What kind of power structures would have existed to make an endeavor like this possible? This image prompts questions about the relationship between humankind and nature, and the legacy of colonialism. How do we grapple with the history embedded in these images while also acknowledging the emotional and personal stories of those who were impacted?