Nymphenburg Palace
Modeled on the Palace of Versailles, Nymphenburg Palace was to display the power and grandeur of the state; the more powerful the monarch, the more splendid his palace.
The front facade could be viewed from a distance. The grand dimensions of the palace were an impressive sight for arriving guests. However, the major facade of the palace faced the park at the back. Here the king and his court could move about freely, undisturbed by the glances of curious commoners.
The opulent banquet hall was adorned with exceptional ceiling frescoes by the leading artists of the times. From here the guests had a view to the extensive park behind the palace.
Glass, and mirrors in particular, were once considered extremely precious. While we may take it for granted today, earlier only the most affluent could hope to own even a very small example.
Hunting, music and theater, social pursuits of the nobility, are represented in the elaborate decoration in the Grand Hall. Grandeur and exuberance are shown with overlapping instruments, leaves, masks and sheet music.
The ceiling frescoes in the main tract of Nymphenburg Palace are characterized by great drama and rich colors.