Description
This is a color postcard of Bavaria’s König Ludwig (Mad Ludwig) II (1845-1886). He was a troubled man who led a troubled life. He surrounded himself with Wagnerian music (he was Wagner’s royal patron for many years, the composer even lived with him) and the several castles he had built (to Bavaria’s near financial ruin). He is best known for his castle Neuschwanstein. [The castle, which was never fully completed, is the model for the fairytale castles at Disney theme parks around the world]. In 1886 he was removed from office due to his “insanity.” The next day he drowned in a lake with his doctor under circumstances much fishier than the lake water! This postcard shows the King wearing many decorations. The postcard was never mailed.
