Rejsedagbog 1845

This is a page from Johan Thomas Lundbye's travel journal, created sometime in the 1840s. Lundbye, a Danish Golden Age painter, used his journals not only to record his travels, but also to explore his innermost thoughts. Lundbye lived during a time of rising nationalism and cultural self-discovery in Denmark. His art often reflected a longing for a distinct Danish identity, rooted in its landscape and traditions. His personal experiences and beliefs were shaped by the intellectual and artistic circles he was a part of. Here, the handwritten notes give us a glimpse into the artist’s mind, revealing his observations and reflections. While his paintings often depicted idyllic scenes of the Danish countryside, his journals offer a more intimate and complex portrayal of his inner world. Lundbye's journal invites us to reflect on the relationship between personal experience and national identity, and reminds us that even the most idealized visions of a culture are rooted in individual stories and emotions.