Rejsedagbog. Firenze 1846

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this page from his travel journal in Florence. It’s undated, and rendered in ink on paper. Lundbye was working in the first half of the 19th century, a period of national romanticism in Denmark. Lundbye died young, at only 29 years old. His life and artistic career were significantly shaped by the political and cultural contexts of his time. As a painter, he sought to capture the essence of the Danish landscape and folk life. But this excerpt suggests a great appreciation for other cultures too, as he made the journey to Italy. This page appears to reflect a deeply personal, emotional experience of encountering Italian art and culture. Lundbye uses his journal to record his impressions of artworks, artists, and places that resonated with him. It serves as a way for Lundbye to reflect on his artistic identity in relation to the broader European art tradition.