Jordprøverne

Jordprøverne, meaning "soil samples" in Danish, refers to a collection of literary and artistic works primarily associated with the Danish writer and critic Georg Brandes. These "soil samples" were not a formal publication but rather a concept he used to describe his critical analyses and observations of Scandinavian literature and culture, which he often metaphorically likened to digging into the rich soil of the national consciousness to unearth significant findings.

Brandes, a towering figure of the Modern Breakthrough movement, utilized this approach to dissect the works of contemporary and historical authors, examining their social, psychological, and philosophical underpinnings. His critical essays, lectures, and correspondence are replete with instances where he delved into the "soil" of an author's work, identifying its roots, its nutrient base, and the environmental influences that shaped its growth.

The term suggests a grounded, empirical approach to criticism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context from which creative works emerge. Brandes believed that true literary understanding required more than just aesthetic appreciation; it demanded an excavation of the social and historical realities that informed the artist's vision. His "soil samples" thus represent a body of critical thought that sought to connect literature directly to the life and times of its creators and audience.