Ludwig (1.)

Ludwig (1786-1868) was the Bavarian crown prince when Thorvaldsen modelled this bust of him in Rome – a self-centred personality, arrogant and vain at the same time. His presence, however, was spoiled by the fact that he was hard of hearing and had a defect in his mouth that caused him to lisp and spray people when he spoke. But he was deeply interested in aesthetic matters, wrote poems and took a keen interest in architecture and fine art. He had a high regard for Thorvaldsen both as artist and adviser in artistic and archaeological questions. The “natural”, wind-blown coiffure is a romantic feature by which he himself placed great store, but which in the present context is in contrast to the ancient quality of his dress. Ludwig became King of Bavaria in 1825, but abdicated in 1848.