Rejsedagbog. Haag 1846

This is a page from Johan Thomas Lundbye's travel journal, created during his travels in the Hague. It's comprised of graphite on paper, humble materials, yet they offer a potent insight into the artist's world. The use of graphite allows for quick, precise lines, perfect for capturing fleeting impressions and observations on the move. You can almost feel Lundbye's hand swiftly sketching, jotting down notes and impressions. The density of the marks varies, creating depth and shadow, and it is clear that the paper’s texture influences the stroke, making the most of this simple, accessible medium. The act of journaling itself speaks to a culture of exploration and documentation, reflecting the values of 19th-century artistic practice. There’s a directness here, an immediacy that bypasses the need for elaborate studio processes. In appreciating the simplicity and intimacy of Lundbye's travel journal, we recognize that the value of art often lies not in the grandeur of its materials but in the artist's vision and the act of making itself.