The Lighthouse of Travemünde Seen from the South 1834

Martinus Rørbye made this pencil drawing of The Lighthouse of Travemünde in 1837. The lighthouse dominates the image, a symbol of guidance, navigation and perhaps even progress. It coexists with older structures, such as the church, possibly highlighting a moment of transition in Danish society. During this time, Denmark was experiencing a period of national romanticism following the Napoleonic Wars, seeking to define its identity through its history, language, and culture. The image creates meaning through the contrast between the industrial lighthouse and the more traditional buildings, suggesting a society grappling with modernity. Rørbye, a well-traveled artist who studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, was part of a cultural elite that helped shape Denmark's national identity through art. Art historians might study shipping records, architectural plans and church documents from this period to better understand the social dynamics represented in this drawing. Art provides valuable perspectives on moments of social change, but its interpretation is always dependent on historical context.