After mentioning that I was attending the local Octoberfest celebration last night, I received a short education in how it all began. I had no idea. This year marks the 200th Aniversary of the first Octoberfest which had Munich jumping. The fun festival began Oct. 12th in 1810, with the wedding ceremony and celebration for the union of Prince Ludwig (above) and his bride, Therese. It was a five day throw down ending with a horse race. Ludwig was a lover of beauty: beautiful art, beautiful architecture and beautiful women, but is not to be confused with his famous grandson, Ludwig II, who bankrupted Bavaria building those beautiful castles. If you peer through the windows in the portrait by Joseph Stieler (1825) above, you will see what looks like the Parthenon. I believe this was probably Ludwig's Walhalla Temple, which was not built at the time of this portrait, but was a concept already fully formed. Perched above the Danube River, it honored distinguished Germans.The slippers are to die for, Ludwig. A hearty beer toast to you and your bride.
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