Portret van Elisabeth Ludovika van Beieren 1808 - 1868

Carl Mayer created this print of Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria using etching and possibly other techniques. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and reinforcing social hierarchies in 19th-century Europe. As a member of the Bavarian royal family, Elisabeth Ludovika was a figure of considerable social and political importance. This portrait, like others of its kind, would have circulated widely, reinforcing the idea of royalty as a distinct and elevated class. Consider the visual codes in the image. The pearls and fur trim speak to the sitter’s wealth and status. Her hairstyle reflects the fashion of the time. And the carefully controlled lines of the print itself suggest order and refinement, values often associated with the aristocracy. Researchers can learn more about the social conditions that shaped this image by consulting period newspapers, fashion plates, and other printed materials that offer insights into the cultural values and norms of the time.