Catalog
(only available in German)
Edited by Margot Hamm, Christine Ketzer, Julia Lichtl, Stephanie Santl, Bernhard Sassmann, Rainhard Riepertinger, Natascha Zödi-Schmidt
Augsburg 2025, approx. 240 pages, numerous color illustrations
Brief description
The catalog for the Bavarian State Exhibition "Ludwig I - Bavaria's Greatest King?" provides comprehensive insights into the exhibition at the House of Bavarian History in Regensburg. It begins with Ludwig as a person: multi-faceted, multi-layered and full of contradictions. He became king in 1825 and underwent and shaped numerous changes during his reign. During these years, progress and upheaval shaped society as well as Ludwig the man and ruler. Railroads, industrialization and an ever-increasing desire among the population to become politically involved are just some of the hallmarks of the era. Ludwig I is sometimes supportive, sometimes skeptical. Early on, he devoted himself to the preservation of traditions and the reintroduction of abolished customs: historical societies, the revival of the monastery landscape and traditional Bavarian costumes. His increasingly autocratic style of government eventually leads to unrest. Ludwig does not want to be a "signatory king" and rejects the population's demands for greater freedoms. He has lost his reputation with the people due to his affair with the dancer Lola Montez. On March 20, 1848, he resigns the crown - deeply disappointed and - as he believes - humiliated.
Two essays and around 100 individual articles on the objects provide an introduction to the subject and explain the formative developments during the reign of Ludwig I in an easily understandable way. Quotes from Ludwig's letters and diaries as well as notes from the king's files shed light on his motives and sometimes also offer insights into the emotional side of the man and monarch Ludwig I.
Overview of contents
Dr. Richard Loibl: Introduction
Marita Krauss: Ludwig I.
The exhibition
Prologue: “… I am better than my reputation …,”
1. A kingdom needs to be ruled
2. To the north
3. Walhalla and weaving looms
4. The Alpha and the Omega
5. And the people?
Epilogue: A strong exit?
The catalog is available at the following locations from the opening of the exhibition:
- in the HdBG online store, price: €24 + shipping costs
- in the museum store in the Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte in Regensburg, price: 24 €
- in bookshops
