Rejsedagbog 1845

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this travel journal in the 1800s, using paper, ink, and likely a simple binding. Unlike a grand oil painting meant for exhibition, this small, intimate object speaks to the everyday practice of observation. The materials themselves—humble paper and ink—invite touch and close inspection. You can almost feel the texture of the page beneath your fingertips, see the feathered edges of the ink strokes. Lundbye likely used a quill pen, requiring skill to control the flow of ink and create the delicate script. This was a world before photography was widely available, so handwriting and sketching were essential tools for recording experiences. The act of writing itself becomes a form of “making,” transforming observations into a tangible record. Consider the amount of time and labor invested in filling these pages. Lundbye’s journal reminds us that even seemingly simple materials can be imbued with profound meaning through the act of making and the context of their use, blurring the lines between art, craft, and personal expression.