Ettal Abbey, Bavaria, Germany -- Pilgrims' eyes would naturally be led to this paintings when they entered the Basilica at Ettal. It's Jakob Zeiller's depiction of Louis IV -- Duke of Bavaria and Holy Roman Emperor -- receiving the statue of the Ettal Madonna and Child from an angel in Benedictine clothing. This icon would draw pilgrims in the 18th century. It helped that Ettal sat on the only decent passageway beween parts of Germany and Italy.When he established this monastery, Louis's reputation needed burnishing. At the time, he was engaged in a huge rivalry with the Avignon Pope John XXII who excommunicated Louis for setting up an anti-pope in Italy. (Catholics had tougher litmus tests for their politicians in those days.) John's excommunication was never rescinded.

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