Abstract

Bavaria, an old dukedom long ruled by the native Wittelsbach dynasty, pioneered the transformation of medieval principalities into territorial states. Duke William IV (r. 1508-1550), shown astride his horse in the woodcut below, took two important steps during his rule: he issued the territorial law [Landesordnung] of 1531 and prevented the spread of Protestantism in his duchy.

Duke William IV of Bavaria (1st half of the 16th century)

Erhard Schoen

Source

Source: Erhard Schoen, Portrait of Duke William IV of Bavaria, woodcut, 16th century, printed by Hans Guldenmund d.Ä. in Nuremberg. Directmedia/Zeno, http://www.zeno.org/nid/20004287134

Recommended Citation

Duke William IV of Bavaria (1st half of the 16th century), published in: German History in Documents and Images, <https://germanhistorydocs.org/en/from-the-reformations-to-the-thirty-years-war-1500-1648/ghdi:image-3305> [April 21, 2025].