Is it possible to imagine a life dedicated to art and royalty? Prince Johann Georg of Saxony lived such a life. He was born into the Wettin dynasty in Dresden. Johann Georg was the sixth child of King George of Saxony. His mother was Infanta Maria Ana of Portugal.
Prince Johann Georg of Saxony was born on July 10, 1869. He died on November 24, 1938. The prince’s full name was Johann Georg Pius Karl Leopold Maria Januarius Anacletus.
Johann Georg’s early life was marked by a strict Roman Catholic upbringing. Private teachers educated him until 1881. He then began military training. From 1889 to 1890 Johann Georg studied law in Freiburg im Breisgau. He later switched to the University of Leipzig. There Johann Georg focused on history and art history. In 1909, the University of Leipzig awarded him an honorary doctorate.
Prince Johann Georg of Saxony had a royal career. In October 1902, he announced his father’s accession to the throne to European courts. King Edward VII received him in London. Johann Georg also visited Windsor Castle.
The Emperor of Austria made him an Honorary Colonel in 1902. This was for the 11th Infantry Regiment of the Austro-Hungarian Army. Prince Johann Georg visited Vienna to acknowledge this honor. This visit showed the good relationship between the families.
Prince Johann Georg of Saxony married twice. His first marriage was to Duchess Maria Isabella of Württemberg in 1894. Maria Isabella died in 1904. His second marriage was to Princess Maria Immacolata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies in 1906. Neither marriage produced children.
From 1902, Johann Georg lived at Schloss Weesenstein. It was near Dresden. After World War I and his brother’s abdication, he sold the castle. He moved to Freiburg im Breisgau.
Prince Johann Georg of Saxony received many honors. These included the Kingdom of Saxony Knight of the Order of the Rue Crown in 1881. He also received the Austria-Hungary Grand Cross of the Order of St. Stephen in 1891. He was a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1898. Other honors include the Kingdom of Prussia Knight of the Order of the Black Eagle. Also the Spanish Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III with Collar in 1908.
Johann Georg was an avid art collector. He was also known as an arts expert. Prince Johann Georg of Saxony now rests in the Alter Katholischer Friedhof in Dresden. He lived a life of royal duty and passion for the arts.