King Ludwig I of Bavaria

Born in Strasbourg on 25 August 1786.

Died in Nice on 29 February 1868.

King Ludwig I. shaped Bavaria like no other. His support for the arts and sciences, made possible by the consolidation of public finances, as well as his international political activities helped the state enhance its reputation considerably. During his reign, Munich developed into a centre of the arts of international repute. The entire appearance of the city was renewed in the classical style: with Leo von Klenze and Friedrich von Gärtner as his most important architects, Ludwig I. was responsible for the planning and layout of the Ludwigstrasse, Feldherrenhalle, Siegestor, Königsplatz and the Alte and Neue Pinakothek.

His assumption of office also breathed new life into Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg. In 1815, while he was still crown prince, he elevated the manufactory to the rank of a State Institution of the Arts with Friedrich von Gärtner significantly shaping its programme as its art director from 1822. Ludwig I. commissioned plates and platters from the manufactory, which were not used as services but which served as documentation of the most important works of art of the time.

The events of the Bavarian Revolution and his affair with the Spanish dancer, Lola Montez, forced King Ludwig I. to abdicate in 1848.

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