Rejsedagbog. Milano 1846

This page from a travel journal was created in Milan by Johan Thomas Lundbye at some point in the 19th century. Travel journals like these were popular among artists and intellectuals seeking to broaden their horizons and learn about new cultures. This page, written in Danish, documents the artist’s impressions of Milan. He mentions hotels and churches and writes about the architecture in Milan with reference to other cities like Pavia. What is most interesting for the social historian is the way the artist places himself in the role of an educated traveler, interested in the architecture and cultural life of the city. The journal form itself suggests a certain level of literacy and social standing, excluding many people in this period. To understand Lundbye's travels more fully, you might consult historical travel guides, social registers, and other accounts of travel in the 19th century. By studying the social and institutional contexts of Lundbye’s travels, we can better understand the cultural values and social hierarchies that shaped his experiences.