Møntkabinettet på Rosenborg 1791

This engraving of the coin cabinet at Rosenborg Castle was created by Frederik Ludvig Bradt in the late 18th or early 19th century. Dominating the composition are the imposing cabinets, each guarded by a pair of recumbent lions. These lions are not merely decorative; they are potent symbols of vigilance, courage, and regality. The lion as a guardian, a protector of treasure, has ancient roots. We find it in the art of ancient Mesopotamia, guarding temples and palaces. Consider, too, the lions at the gates of Mycenae, their presence evoking a sense of timeless authority and power. The motif persists through the centuries, surfacing in medieval heraldry and Renaissance sculpture. In this setting, these lions also touch upon a deeper, perhaps subconscious, association with wealth and power. The very act of displaying such a collection speaks to the collector's status and their ability to command and protect these precious artifacts. It is a visual echo of humanity's perennial fascination with safeguarding treasures, a cycle of meaning that continues to resonate today.