Renowned for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Aspern-Essling in 1809-Napoleons first major setback in open battle. The grand equestrian statue- 1860 by Anton Dominik Fernkorn dominates Heldenplatz – Hogburg Palace. Depicting him during the Battle of Aspern.
- Description: Archduke Karl Ludwig was the younger brother of two prominent figures: Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico.
- Location: Heldenplatz, Hofburg Palace Arena.
- Historical Significance: He was the father of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 was the trigger for World War I. Following the death of his nephew, Crown Prince Rudolf, in 1889, Karl Ludwig became the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, he renounced his rights to the throne in favor of his eldest son, Franz Ferdinand. Karl Ludwig married three times. His first wife was Princess Margaretha of Saxony, his second was Princess Maria Annunziata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and his third was Infanta Maria Theresa of Portugal. From his second and third marriages, he had a total of six children: Franz Ferdinand, Otto Franz, Ferdinand Karl, Margarete Sophie, Maria Annunziata, and Elisabeth Amalie. He died of typhoid fever in 1896, reportedly after drinking contaminated water during a trip to Palestine and Egypt.
- Architecture and Surroundings: The statue is positioned in the center of the Heldenplatz, surrounded by grand buildings that are part of the Hofburg Palace complex. Notable structures nearby include the Neue Burg, the National Library, and the Museum of Ethnology.
- Visitor Experience: The Archduke Karl Ludwig Statue serves as a popular spot for visitors to take photos and learn about Austrian history. The Heldenplatz itself is a significant landmark, and the statue adds to its allure, creating a picturesque setting.
It’s worth noting that interpretations of historical statues and monuments can vary, and public opinion on their significance and cultural context may evolve over time.
