Rejsedagbog. Novi Ligure 1846

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this page from his travel journal in Novi Ligure. It's inscribed with text; even in writing, we find echoes of artistic tradition. Consider the recurring motif of the 'gaze' subtly embedded in the script through mentions of portraits. The gaze, historically, is a potent symbol of power, knowledge, and interaction, deeply explored across art history. Think of the Mona Lisa's enigmatic look, which draws viewers into a silent dialogue across centuries. This motif isn't just visual; here, Lundbye captures it through textual references, suggesting a deeper psychological engagement with observation and memory. I am reminded of how the 'gaze' resurfaces, constantly evolving. In ancient Egyptian art, the unblinking eyes on sarcophagi were meant to ensure the deceased could still see and be seen in the afterlife. This connection to mortality and visibility links back to our own modern obsession with representation and being seen, be it through social media or other means. The primal need to be recognized remains, echoing through time.