Lola Montez
1821-1861
Born in Ireland, Eliza Rosanna Gilbert, became famous all over Europe as
a Spanish dancer under the stage name Lola Montez
She reputedly formed liaisons with Franz Liszt and Alexandre Dumas, among many others.
Late in 1846 Montez danced in Munich, and King Ludwig I of Bavaria was
so struck by her beauty that he offered her a castle. She accepted,
became Baroness Rosenthal and Countess of Lansfeld, and remained as his
mistress. Under Montez’s influence (the cabinet became known as the
“Lolaministerium”), Ludwig inaugurated liberal and anti-Jesuit
governmental policies, but his infatuation with her helped to bring
about the collapse of his regime in the revolution of 1848. In March of
that year Ludwig abdicated in favour of his son while Montez fled to
London
