Bjerge ved Subiaco 1801 - 1819

'Bjerge ved Subiaco', or 'Mountains near Subiaco,' is a drawing by J.L. Lund. Made with pen and wash, this landscape shows us the artist's response to the area around Subiaco, Italy. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, artists often travelled to Italy seeking inspiration from its classical past and picturesque landscapes. For Lund, who was born in Kiel, Germany, but spent most of his career in Copenhagen, this trip represented a significant moment in his artistic development. He felt a deep emotional connection to the landscape and its history. This image shows the quiet grandeur of nature, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between the self and the environment. The delicate application of wash creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, encouraging an emotional and almost spiritual response. The mountains become metaphors for human aspiration and resilience, embodying both the beauty and the formidable power of the natural world.