#which explains why ludovika looks so much younger than her sisters when she should be around thirteen in this painting

[archduchessofnowhere]

King Max I Joseph of Bavaria and his family in Kreuth, by August von Heckel, 1867. From left to right: Princesses Elisabeth and Amalie, Princess Ludovika, Queen Caroline, King Maximilian, Princesses Sophie and Maria Anna.

The family portrait was painted as a model for one of the monumental murals which once adorned the old Bayerisches Nationalmuseum on Maximilianstrasse. Today the building houses the Museum Fünf Kontinente. The historicist cycle of 143 murals depicted the most important events in the history of Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach. Like most of them, the fresco painting after this particularly high-quality model no longer exists. The foundation of the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum dates back to the middle of the 19th century on the personal initiative of Max I's grandson, King Maximilian II Joseph. The newly erected building of the museum was inaugurated in 1867.

Via Bayerisches Nationalmuseum

[sailorgreywolf-german]

18: bear hug Bavaria

The sun glinted off the gilding of the carriage as it pulled into the courtyard. Austria could feel his heart beating fast with anticipation. His brother and his guests were late, and it was making him anxious.

It had taken months of planning through letters, and it irked him that all that work had resulted in him checking his watch, waiting for his brother and a princess. A princess who had an important role to play as soon as the formalities were sorted.

It felt wrong to make Franz Joseph spend time away from the work that he valued so highly. But, he had to marry and produce an heir, and this scheme was better than anything else.

Seeing the carriage finally arrive soothed him at least a little. Bavaria emerged first, looking as sunny and carefree as ever. He was dressed lightly for travel, and would need to change before any formal introductions were made.

He opened the door and offered his hand to the women within. Duchess Ludovika, the mastermind behind this whole plan, took his hand and stepped down. Austria noted the black dress, and reminded himself that he should offer his condolences.

He watched as the long awaited princess stepped out. She was beautiful, as all of the Wittelsbachs were, and Franz would be happy if he valued such things. Likely his mother’s approval would matter the most, as it always did. Only a fool would cross Sophie and expect to keep the emperor’s favor. The Archduchess approved of the Wittelsbach princess, and that meant the matter was already settled.

To Austria’s great surprise a second younger woman also emerged from the carriage. The girl looked untidy, which Austria noted with displeasure. No Habsburg princess would be allowed to meet anyone looking as she did.

He knew his role, and stepped toward the group. He said, with the usual formality, “Welcome to Bad Ischl.”

The firm formality didn’t seem to bother Bavaria at all. He smiled back at him and said, “I’m sorry for the delay. I hope we are not too late.”

Austria knew that there was more he wanted to say, but they both knew the rules in front of others. Had they been alone, their greeting would have been more affectionate.

He could have said that the delay was unacceptable, but he didn’t feel like ruining his brother’s good mood. Instead, he said, “The emperor is waiting for you.”

He glanced at the girl with the disorderly dress and said, “Though I suggest you take some time to compose yourself first.” She seemed to shrink under his gaze.

Bavaria said, breaking through any possible tension, “That’s a very good idea.” He gestured to the grooms, who took the women’s luggage while the Duchess escorted her daughters inside.

Once they were out of earshot, Austria added, “And now they get the honor of explaining why they are late to Sophie. God help them.”

The archduchess’ exacting standards were well known, and even her own sister would not escape them. Austria was glad that he didn't have to be present to have that discussion.

Bavaria said, like he was trying to get his attention, “Brother.”

Austria turned to look at him, and was shocked when the other swept him into a hug. He let out an undignified noise as his feet left the ground momentarily as his brother lifted him.

Bavaria spoke, and Austria could hear that he was beaming, “I am so glad to see you.”

The loving manhandling was familiar, but it also threw all formality to the wind. Austria said, half-serious, “Unhand me! This is so undignified.”

He felt so small in his brother’s arms that it almost made him forget that he was an empire. He had never decided whether he enjoyed the feeling or not. But he was certain that he didn't need to try to convince his brother that he was powerful.

Bavaria chuckled and said, “I will give you your dignity back when you hug me back.”

Austria decided it was better not to argue with him, because he was in such an affable mood. After the ever-present tension in Vienna, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

He wrapped his arms around Bavaria’s shoulders as well as he could. The man was much too broad to hug easily. He smiled and said, “I’m glad to see you too, you big idiot.”

Bavaria slowly released him, and Austria could see exactly how broadly he was smiling. He said, “I have been excited all the way from Munich.”

Austria made a show of straightening his jacket to make a point. He tried to keep a straight face as he said, “I can see that.”

He knew that he would only be able to keep the stern tone for so long. Bavaria’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he could already feel the enthusiasm bubbling up in his chest.

Bavaria replied, tapping him lightly on the shoulder with a fist, “Lighten up, Roddy. We’re going to have a royal wedding, and it’s going to be wonderful.”

Austria finally broke into a smile. No amount of courtly dignity could counter Bavaria’s natural charm. It was like resisting a force of nature. He said, “I am glad it is going to be Helene. She’ll make Franz very happy.”

He knew that he also felt much more comfortable forming a stronger bond with his brother than reaching out to a state who might be an uncertain ally. Bavaria said, with his same glowing smile, “I love weddings.” Austria shook his head, “You love any party. I don’t think you’ll like this one nearly as much. There are so many formalities.”

The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon. Austria added, “Let me show you to your room.”

He turned and Bavaria slipped his arm around his shoulders. He said, “I am looking forward to this. Several days watching young love bloom with my baby brother.”

As they walked towards the palace Austria chuckled and said, “Love in a royal marriage? You are optimistic.” As soon as the words came out of his mouth he realized that it was the first time he had laughed in quite a while. Bavaria replied, “Let’s hope I’m right, for both their sakes.”

Austria decided to change the subject to something he had been wondering, “Who is the other princess? I was only expecting Helene.” Bavaria answered, “Oh, that’s Sissi. Her mother wanted her to come along. I promise she won’t be any trouble.”