Rejsedagbog 1845

This is a page from Johan Thomas Lundbye's travel journal, likely created during his travels in the 1840s. Lundbye, a Danish Golden Age painter, used his journals not only to record his observations, but also to express his innermost thoughts and feelings. In this particular entry, we see Lundbye grappling with the complexities of identity and belonging. The text hints at his encounters with different cultures and perhaps feelings of alienation as he moves through foreign lands. His reflections on language, "set Franske og senere old Italimoke?" suggest a broader contemplation about cultural heritage, and how language shapes perception and experience. Consider that Lundbye wrote during a period of intense national romanticism. His personal quest to understand his place in the world resonates with broader societal questions about national identity. There's a delicate balance between the desire to connect with others and the struggle to maintain a sense of self. The journal isn't just a travelogue; it's a deeply personal exploration of the self in relation to the world.