Rejsedagbog. Antwerpen 1846

This page from Johan Thomas Lundbye’s travel journal, penned in Antwerp in 1846, is densely inscribed with the artist’s impressions. The most striking symbol here is the act of writing itself. Lundbye, through his meticulous script, attempts to capture the essence of his travels, much like the *Imprese* of Renaissance emblems that sought to encapsulate complex ideas in succinct visual form. Consider how writing, from ancient hieroglyphs to medieval illuminated manuscripts, has always been a powerful tool for preserving memory. This act connects Lundbye to a long lineage of artists and thinkers who have sought to immortalize their experiences. His words are not merely descriptive; they are imbued with his personal feelings, transforming the page into a vessel of memory. The emotional weight of this personal record cannot be understated. It is an attempt to grapple with time and experience, to hold onto fleeting moments. Like an ancient talisman, this journal page becomes a potent symbol of the artist's journey, both physical and emotional. This is a powerful force engaging us on a deep, subconscious level.