Lot 2469: King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845 - 1886)

a splendid writing set and letter folder
An openwork fire-gilt bronze pen holder, richly decorated with arabesques and floral elements, and with a writing cherub in the centre, flanked by the ink well and sand sprinkler, set somewhat forward. The bottom is stamped, "Library of H.M. King Ludwig of Bavaria" and has an inventory number. Weight 3.7 Kg. Width 36 cm.
The set was made in the Late Renaissance style with Baroque influences. This artistic historicism was highly valued and promoted by Ludwig, so that it is very likely that this set was expressly designed for the Kingïs study.
The letter case is covered with light blue "royal velvet" and has fire-gilt bronze appliqués on the front, and a cambered medallion displaying Ludwigïs crowned mirror monogram. The interior is lined with beige coloured satin. Both pieces are from the former possessions of King Ludwig. Cf. Hermann Historica, Auction No. 19, for a very similar writing set from the study in the Munich Residence, in the King Ludwig Museum at Herrenchiemsee.

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