Originally a painter of porcelain, Ferdinand Zschäck enjoyed greater success through his paintings in oils, his landscapes earning him the patronage of Duke Ernest II of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1818-93). Although it is thought that he hoped to be officially recognised as painter to the ducal court, Zschäck never received the official appointment.

This view looks through double doors surmounted by pointed arches and an eastern style canopy towards a fountain in the terraced garden of the Rosenau. In the distance the garden gives way to a landscape with the Schloss Lauterburg on high ground.

The Rosenau, a medieval structure situated in modern-day Bavaria, was renovated by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel between 1808-17 to create a new residence for the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Schinkel appropriated the Gothic Revival style for his remodelling of the property. The Lauterburg, due north of the Rosenau, had a very contested history. It was squabbled over by various Thuringian duchies, was in disrepair in Prince Albert’s time, and is now a ruin.