Elector Max III Joseph

Born in Munich on 23 March 1727.

Died in Munich on 30 December 1777.

Elector Max III. Joseph, son of Kaiser Karl VII., was highly interested in securing Bavaria's economic independence. Within the scope of his mercantile efforts, he supported the founding of many enterprises. Many manufactories were established in Bavaria of which many produced silk and glass but also porcelain. On 1 November 1747, he founded the electoral porcelain manufactory at his "Grüne Schlössl" in Neudeck near Munich – to promote the radiance and dignity of the electoral court. With the relocation of the manufactory to Schloss Nymphenburg in 1764 and the burgeoning international fame as a result of Franz Anton Bustelli's designs, the "Churfürstliche Porcelain-Fabrique" became the most important prestige project to be initiated by the Wittelsbach family.

Max III. Joseph was a great supporter of the arts and sciences and it is thanks to his efforts that compulsory schooling was introduced throughout Bavaria. His marriage to Princess Maria Anna Sophia of Saxony in 1747 remained childless, which is why the Palatinate line of the Wittelsbach family succeeded to the throne on his death.

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