Himmelblomst (Commelina Coelestis), indfældet i dagbogsnotater 1845

Curator: This delicate pencil drawing, embellished with touches of color, offers us a peek into the sketchbook of Johan Thomas Lundbye from 1845. Its title is "Himmelblomst (Commelina Coelestis), indfældet i dagbogsnotater," and it’s currently held at the SMK in Copenhagen. Editor: It immediately strikes me as intimate and anecdotal. The scale feels so personal—like a stolen glance at a private moment. I wonder about the figures depicted and the life they might have led in that era. Curator: Precisely! There’s a palpable sense of journey embedded here. Lundbye uses light washes of color, mostly earthy tones, to subtly bring forward these wanderers ascending through this rough landscape, highlighting an intimate intergenerational relationship. The child riding high is carrying familial knowledge in many forms, physical and intellectual. Editor: I can see that dynamic play out here, yet it prompts me to consider notions of privilege and access at this time. Whose stories get recorded, whose perspectives are valued, and whose experiences remain absent? Curator: The symbolic significance of their upward trek should not be overlooked. It alludes to spiritual and intellectual growth. This upward mobility underscores broader aspirations inherent within Romantic ideals, particularly its exploration of the self in nature. This contrasts dramatically with today's societal struggles that are so grounded and visceral. Editor: It definitely speaks to the romanticised perspective of that era. The subtle use of pencil work captures both vulnerability and human determination, something we should still encourage today as the global landscape changes so rapidly and our reliance on resources rises. Curator: The use of everyday scenes allows this intimate experience with nature. A visual diary, an emotional register. Editor: An imperfect record; a powerful prompt.