Gallery of Beauties

(Schloss Nymphenburg @ Munich)

King Ludwig I was a passionate admirer of classical beauty. Besides being an ardent collector of beautiful Greek and Roman statues, he also indulged in collecting beautiful women. He filled a hall at Nymphenburg Palace with portraits of his favourites. The King himself was good looking and naturally also a favourite with women.

(passage leading to the Gallery of Beauties)

There are 36 portraits in the Gallery of Beauties. The women were from a variety of social classes ranging from the daughter of a shoemaker to the daughter of a king. Beauty then was considered to be an outward sign of moral perfection.

(bottom left is portrait of Lola Montez)

I know my snapshots are not good. I am a bad photographer. Perhaps I should go get some lessons. Anyway, the hall is not well lighted probably to protect these two hundred year old painted portraits. Using camera flashlight is strictly disallowed.

(bottom right is portrait of Helene Sadelmeyer)

The Gallery of Beauties is rather small and probably the busiest in comparison with other halls in the Palace. Visitors have to keep moving although everybody may need a bit more time to admire these portraits and analyse who was the most beautiful woman or who the King favoured most.

My favourite is Helene Sadelmeyer. She symbolises innocence and purity while Lola Montez is fiery and notorious.

By the way, the palace is simply beautiful, delightful and opulent. Makes me think what fabulous lifestyles royalty and the rich have. I don't envy them for their houses but would love to have more money in my bank account.

(wall to wall laquer and chinoiserie room with ornate chandelier)

(Queen's Audience Room)

(Queen's Chamber)

Source: except for one, all photos are mine