Linderhof Palace: Bedroom

The initial design from 1871/72 is based on designs by Christian Jank (ceiling design) and Georg Dollmann (wall designs). The room was completely redesigned by Julius Hofmann (1840-1896) as architect and Eugen Drollinger (1858-1930) as decorator from 1884 onwards, making it considerably larger.

Instead of a decoration that generally imitated the taste of the "Louis XV style", the bedroom of the "Rich Rooms" in the Munich Residence, which was created by François Cuvilliés (1695-1768) for Ludwig’s imperial ancestor Karl Albrecht (1697-1745, emperor from 1742), was now taken as a direct model on the orders of Ludwig II. The wall division motifs, the white panelling with gilded carvings, especially the wide ornamental zone between the cornice and the ceiling, which is partly decorated with figurative scenes, as well as the bed balustrade originate from there.

The bed, bed canopy and embroidered, palm-framed panneaux behind them are cited from there, but far more magnificently executed and, unlike in Munich, backed in blue. For all their similarities, there are crucial differences: The appearance of ceiling frescoes at Linderhof, which the model in Munich does not have, is particularly striking. On the back wall of the bed canopy is the Bavarian coat of arms. The ceiling painting in the main room by August Spieß (1841-1923) depicts the apotheosis (deification) of Louis XIV (1638-1715).

The console tables and mirror frames on the window pillars are made of Meissen porcelain with cherubs, flowers and sconces. This bedroom therefore also became an evocation of absolutism, with direct dynastic references: Ludwig II’s imperial claim.

Uwe Gerd Schatz