Herrenchiemsee-Part 2
SUNDAY MEMORIES
Judy Wills
I mentioned earlier that Herrenchiemsee was “unfinished” at Ludwig’s death. But the brochure states: “It would be wrong to call Herrenchiemsee Palace ‘unfinished’ in the usual sense of the word; even in the construction schedule of 1878, no other rooms are planned for the interior than those which we see complete today. For conjuring up the spirit of absolute monarchy, the central rooms of Versailles are indeed sufficient.”
Herrenchiemsee was built in the grand style of Versailles, with many of the rooms built similarly to Versailles. However, during the French Revolution, many of the artifacts, furniture and furnishings of Versailles were lost or destroyed. Therefore, when Ludwig began building Herrenchiemsee, he had no “Versailles” models to work from. Therefore, much of the furnishings in Herrenchiemsee are original designs. And while they were original creations, they were often corrected and amended by the king in his own handwriting.
The State Staircase
THE STATE STAIRCASE was modeled on the Versailles Ambassadors’ Staircase. Multicolored marble and stucco marble-clad walls follows exactly the Versailles model, shown in existing plans and engravings.
The First Antechamber
In THE FIRST ANTECHAMBER, the inlaid paintings show scenes from court life and the military campaigns of Louis XIV of France.
The Second Antechamber
In THE SECOND ANTECHAMBER (so-called “bull’s eye hall”) are paintings of Louis XIV, as well as, in the center of the hall, a bronze equestrian statuette of Louis XIV.
The State Bedchamber
THE STATE BEDCHAMBER was never used by Ludwig, but represents a highlight of majestic appointments, and was the first room completed in the palace, and turned over to the King on September 18, 1881. “In the ceiling fresco Phoebus Apollo has the facial features of Louis XIV.”
The Council Chamber
THE COUNCIL CHAMBER has a portrait of Louis XIV and four painting above the door, showing diplomatic successes of the Sun King. Lots of gold overlay in this room.
~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~
Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .
Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.
After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.
Old Things R New 
I guess that style of home decoration is called Baroque.
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They didn’t really tell us that in the brochure – so it could either be Baroque or Rococo. Both are rather “gaudy” to my taste. But then, I’m not a king or queen.
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DiVoran, Fred said that they told us that Rococo is “Baroque gone wild!” Even MORE ornate than Baroque…if you can imagine that!
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