Niels Klims nedfart. II 1786 - 1788

"Niels Klims nedfart. II," an etching created by Danish artist J.F. Clemens between 1786 and 1788, depicts a man, presumably Niels Klim, falling headfirst through the air. The image, housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, is a dramatic illustration of a popular 18th-century novel by Ludvig Holberg, portraying the protagonist's journey to a subterranean world. Clemens' masterful use of line and shading creates a sense of motion and depth, capturing the protagonist's descent and emphasizing the perilous nature of his journey. This etching is a testament to the enduring power of Holberg's work and the artistry of Clemens, showcasing the illustrative potential of 18th-century printmaking.