Russische officierswoning te Malye Karmakuly, Nova Zembla 1880

Louis Apol sketched this Russian officers' house in Malye Karmakuly, Nova Zembla. During the late 19th century, the Arctic became a stage for asserting power and influence. Polar expeditions, scientific research, and the establishment of settlements were all means for nations to demonstrate their capabilities. Apol's image of this stark building invites us to consider the complexities of identity and belonging. Who inhabited this remote outpost, and what did it mean for them to be stationed there? Were they explorers, scientists, or military personnel enforcing Russian claims to the region? And how did their presence impact the indigenous populations of the Arctic? This work highlights the emotional and psychological dimensions of inhabiting a place so removed from the familiar. As you consider this sketch, reflect on the human stories embedded within it. Think about themes of cultural contact, colonialism, and the human desire to explore and conquer new frontiers.