The first Baroque residence on the Upper Rhine

Rastatt Residential Palace

ONLY HUMAN?FIGURES

The princes were no strangers to resentment, disappointment and fear. And it is no wonder, as their lives were determined by pride of rank and a desire for showmanship. Each and every person had a role to play, and even an architect could be made to feel these pressures...

Detail of the portrait of Louis XIV, end of the 17th century.

A friend, then an enemy

The French king made war to expand his power. At the same time, he was seen as an example for many European rulers in the Baroque period.

King Louis XIV of France

Portrait of Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden-Baden.

A BUILDER DESPERATE FOR PRESTIGE

As a successful lieutenant general with no political leverage, the Türkenlouis was a dissatisfied regent.

Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden-Baden

Hunting lodge, 1697 design, copper engraving circa 1705.

A SOUTHERN TEMPERAMENT

The Italian architect was gifted, creative and dedicated, but his temper repeatedly got him into trouble.

Domenico Egidio Rossi

Portrait of Princess Augusta Maria Johanna of Orléans.

A MARRIAGE FOR POLITICAL REASONS

Princess Augusta Maria Johanna did not look forward to her wedding to a strange man at a strange court.

Augusta Maria of Orléans