I’ve seen a lot of paintings in my lifetime. This is the first one that I’ve ever observed in which a horse is eating from a table. He was obviously considered a pet, not just a means of transportation.

If you’ve read my earlier blog posts on the Nymphenburg Palace, you will know that Ludwig had a gallery hung in the building with painted portraits of the most beautiful women. When I saw these galleries in the mews, I thought that he treated his horses as well as his women.

When we think of princes and princesses, I doubt we typically think of them dying. I know I never have. But, the Marstall Museum will make you understand that it did happen, and I assume any well-fitted palace would have to be prepared.

And, finally, a reminder of the recent past. The Nymphemburg Palace was nearly destroyed during WWII bombing, being so close to the center of Munich. The rebuilding is quite astounding, when you stop to consider all aspects. I salute the men and women who were able, during that tragic time, to save these and all the other collections in Germany.