Publiziert Pferde, Kutschen, Reiten und Fahren am Hofe Max Emanuels

Horses, Horseback Riding, Carriages, and Driving at the Court of Max Emanuel—experience this fascinating lecture at Fürstenried Palace with Dr. Magdalena Bayreuther on July 26, 2026

Elector Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria is considered one of the most colorful rulers of the European Baroque era. Through his participation in the campaigns against the Ottoman Empire, he successfully portrayed himself as a victorious general and defender of Christian Europe. Through palace complexes, paintings, and festive decorations, he promoted his image as the “Conqueror of the Turks” while simultaneously placing himself in the tradition of ancient heroes such as Hercules, Mars, and Aeneas.

However, another central aspect of his self-presentation has received less attention to date: the Elector’s role as a horseman and his ceremonial horse-keeping practices. Around 1700, horses, horsemanship, and carriages were among the most important expressions of princely power, military virtue, and courtly culture. Enormous sums were invested in riding, hunting, and carriage horses, in precious saddles and harnesses, ceremonial carriages, specialized court staff, and magnificent stable buildings—such as the “Schöne Stall” at Lustheim Palace in Schleißheim, which, despite its function as a horse stable, was also an elaborately furnished ceremonial hall. An unusually large number of equestrian portraits and statues depict Max Emanuel as a sovereign master of both horse and realm alike.

Drawing on paintings, sculptures, architecture, and preserved furnishings, the lecture with Dr. Bayreuther opens up new perspectives on courtly equestrian culture around 1700 and demonstrates how closely military glory, equestrian art, and ceremonial pomp were intertwined in the Bavarian Elector’s self-image.

4:00 p.m. Exclusive palace tour (doors open at 3:45 p.m.)

5:30 p.m. Standing reception

6:15 p.m. Lecture

Approx. 8:30 p.m. End of the event

We wish you an interesting and enjoyable evening at Fürtenried Palace!