Rejsen hjem til færdrelandet 1867 - 1871

Joel Ballin created this artwork, titled "Rejsen hjem til færdrelandet," using a technique called plademaal. During the 19th century, national identity and belonging were being questioned and redefined, especially after periods of conflict and displacement. Ballin, who was Jewish, lived in a time of increasing national consciousness in Europe. The complex relationship between minority communities and the concept of homeland is evident in the artwork. The image captures a scene filled with figures on a ship, evoking feelings of hope, relief, and perhaps also anxiety about what awaits them. There’s a sense of collective experience, a shared journey towards a place they call home. Yet, the personal stories and diverse backgrounds of these individuals would undoubtedly shape their experiences of returning. Ballin’s work invites us to consider who is included and excluded in the narrative of the homeland, and how experiences of displacement and return are shaped by identity, history, and memory.