Maximilian Franz (1756-1801), seit 1784 Kurfürst und Erzbischof von Köln - Gemälde von Armin Sarter nach einer Vorlage aus dem 18. Jahrhundert

Maximilian Franz, the youngest son of Empress Maria Theresia, became Electoral Prince of Cologne after Maximilian Friedrich (1708-1784) had died. During the decade 1784-1794, he resided in Bonn and became one of the most important patrons of the young Ludwig van Beethoven.

Being an art-lover and having an enlightened mind, the electoral prince influenced the life of his royal seat in a vivid way. He was the founder of the first university in Bonn, at which Beethoven studied too, and he especially supported music. Maximilian Franz also contributed to Beethoven"s musical apprenticeship. He made it possible for the young musician to go on his first journey to Vienna in 1787, and he also supported Beethoven"s second journey to Vienna in 1792 with a scholarship.

When the French troops occupied Bonn in 1794, the electoral prince first went to Muenster and later on to Mergentheim and Ellingen, until he finally returned to Austria and settled down in Hetzendorf near Vienna. Even during the last years of his life, he seemed to have shared and supported Beethoven"s further progresses. (S.B.)