Rejsedagbog 1846

Editor: This is "Rejsedagbog," a page from Johan Thomas Lundbye's travel journal from 1846, held at the SMK. It’s ink on paper and textile, and it’s covered in dense script that I, sadly, can't decipher. It evokes such a sense of intimacy, peering into the personal reflections of an artist over a century ago. What aspects of the image spark your curiosity, or even a sense of connection, curator? Curator: Ah, Lundbye's journal! It's not just an artwork; it's a portal, wouldn't you say? It pulls you into his very experience of being in Italy, doesn’t it? Do you get a sense of what it might have been like, to keep a handwritten journal filled with first impressions, little drawings from direct observations, scribbled with such immediate charm. Look at that hand. What does it communicate to you? Impulsive writing...do you think it reflects careful preparation? Editor: I'd say it looks very spontaneous! It’s that density – the writing practically spilling over – it feels immediate, as if capturing thoughts before they vanished. Curator: Precisely! And this immediate quality – this feeling, wasn’t always prized. There were other contemporary artists that believed in something called 'nature-study'... They took nature quite seriously. However, it didn't quite come to the same spontaneity here. And here we see it. Don't you think its the difference in 'attitude' that divides the more traditional nature studies from this one? Editor: So, he's documenting not just the external world but his internal one, his impressions? It does feel rather modern somehow, in its personal expressiveness. Curator: Exactly! This glimpse into his travels feels deeply human and… relatable, don’t you think? He is in fact showing a Romantic spirit of finding true experience. Lundbye wasn't simply recording facts. He’s inviting us to join his journey! It makes me feel that traveling is far better when there's just pure, human adventure to look forward to. Editor: This has given me an idea of the human element that art and traveling can bring forth... I can't wait to look through my journal after this...Thank you!