Ruiterstandbeeld van koning Lodewijk I van Beieren te München c. 1860 - 1885

This is Hermann Manz's photograph of the equestrian statue of King Ludwig I of Bavaria in Munich. The photograph depicts not just the statue, but also the architecture surrounding it, giving a sense of place and civic importance. The statue was erected to celebrate Ludwig I, who was known for his patronage of the arts and architecture. His reign had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Munich and Bavaria. Statues like these were part of a broader European tradition of memorializing leaders through public art. Such monuments can be seen as tools for shaping collective memory and legitimizing authority. To understand this photograph, one could explore the history of Munich's urban development, the political climate of Bavaria in the 19th century, and the artistic patronage of Ludwig I. Researching the artist, Hermann Manz, and the history of photography in Germany will also provide more context. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.