Lion gate in Mycenae 1834

Carl Rottmann created this watercolor painting of the Lion Gate in Mycenae during the early to mid-19th century. Rottmann’s focus on ancient Greek architecture coincided with a broader European fascination with classical antiquity. The image emphasizes the ruinous state of the gate, reflecting the passage of time and the decline of ancient civilizations. This interest in ruins and the sublime was also a key theme in Romanticism, a movement that shaped much of the art of the period. Germany, where Rottmann spent his career, saw the rise of museums and academic institutions that aimed to collect, study, and preserve classical artifacts. Rottmann’s painting should be considered in this context, as it embodies a desire to document and revive the legacy of ancient Greece. Understanding the painting requires research into the archaeological discoveries of the time, travelogues, and the history of classical studies within European institutions. Only then can we grasp the cultural and historical significance of Rottmann's work.