Kustgezicht met ijsbergen te Nova Zembla 1880

Louis Apol made this pencil drawing of icebergs off the coast of Nova Zembla. Apol was known for his winter landscapes, often depicting scenes of the Netherlands under snow. But this sketch takes us far north, to the Russian archipelago of Nova Zembla. Why? In the late 19th century, the Arctic became a focus for scientific exploration and commercial opportunity. The Dutch, with their seafaring history, were keen participants. Expeditions to the Arctic gripped the public imagination. Apol never visited Nova Zembla himself. He based this drawing on sketches made by others who had travelled there. So, this isn't just a landscape; it's a window into Dutch society's fascination with the unknown, and its drive to explore and exploit new frontiers. To understand this drawing fully, we can consult expedition reports, newspaper articles, and travelogues. The meaning of art always depends on its social and institutional context.