To bjergvandrere ved Gemmi-passet, den ene med en nisse på på skuldrene 1845

This page from Johan Thomas Lundbye’s journal, likely penned in the 1840s, captures the essence of a journey through the Gemmi Pass. While absent of visual symbols, the written word is rich in cultural imagery. Consider the recurring motif of travel. In antiquity, journeys were fraught with peril, often depicted with gods or mythical beings guiding or guarding travelers. Think of Hermes, the messenger god, or even the humble Saint Christopher, patron saint of travelers. Lundbye's trek through the Gemmi Pass mirrors this age-old narrative. The act of journeying, both physically and metaphorically, has long been a symbol of life's pilgrimage. The subconscious yearnings for discovery, the confrontation with the unknown, and the psychological transformation that travel entails – these are archetypal themes embedded in our collective memory, surfacing here in Lundbye's personal account. Lundbye's journal entry becomes more than just a travel log; it is a mirror reflecting humanity’s enduring quest for meaning and understanding. The written word, like visual symbols, serves as a powerful force, stirring deep, subconscious recognition.