<DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>This gallery of beautiful portraits, painted by Joseph Karl Stieler for King Ludwig I, still elicits an unusual fascination for visitors to Nymphenburg Palace. The collection presented here was an essential element of the king´s Munich residence, proudly displayed in the game rooms of the festival hall building. This volume relates how the gallery was open to all citizens of the country, confirming its place in contemporary guidebooks as one of Munich´s sightseeing landmarks. More than 30 pictures of these timeless women are reproduced here in vivid color, without the usual imperfections of the painted surfaces. With details on the history of the individual portraits and the subjects portrayed, this revised edition also explores other similar galleries in detail, providing commentary on their historical development.</P></DIV>