Selvportræt 1836

Johan Thomas Lundbye sketched this self-portrait in Denmark at some point in his short life, using graphite on paper. Lundbye’s direct gaze captures the Romantic era's intense focus on the individual and his emotional landscape. This piece reflects the rising tide of national romanticism that swept through Denmark in the early 19th century. The cultural institutions of the time, like the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts where Lundbye studied, played a crucial role in shaping artistic expression. Artists were encouraged to find inspiration in the Danish landscape and national identity. Lundbye, along with his contemporaries, sought to define a unique Danish aesthetic. To truly appreciate Lundbye's self-portrait, we need to examine the social and institutional forces that shaped his artistic vision. Art historians delve into letters, critiques, and exhibition records. In doing so, we uncover the complex interplay between artistic creation, cultural identity, and institutional power.