This statue of Bavaria in Munchen is the earliest bronze statue of the modern era, commissioned by King Ludwig I in 1837 to crown the Bavarian hall of fame. It was also designed to showcase the influence and culture of the then independent kingdom. The statue took 13 years to complete, with the project outliving the architect and the reign of the king. This was due in large part to techniques not used since ancient times. The king was even recorded saying, “Only Nero and I have produced such giant statues…
