Rejsedagbog 1845

This is a page from Johan Thomas Lundbye’s travel journal, undated, held at the Statens Museum for Kunst. Lundbye lived during a time of great national romanticism in Denmark. Within the personal sphere of this journal, we get a glimpse into the daily life and thoughts of a 19th-century artist. The handwritten notes, filled with observations and sketches, offer insight into Lundbye’s artistic process. “What I experience I must depict,” he wrote, revealing his deep engagement with the world around him. Lundbye's detailed entries reflect the cultural values and artistic interests of his time, yet they also reveal a personal quest for meaning and connection. How does his journey reflect the broader societal trends and artistic movements of 19th-century Europe? How do his experiences as a man from that time affect our reading of the artwork? Ultimately, this journal page is a testament to the power of art to capture a moment in time while also reflecting the timeless human desire for exploration and self-discovery.