Duchess Maria Anna of Bavaria was born on December 27, 1805, in Munich, Germany. She was a member of the House of Wittelsbach and the daughter of King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria. Maria Anna became known for her charitable work and support of the arts during her lifetime. In 1825, she married Archduke Franz Karl of Austria, which connected her to the Habsburg dynasty. The couple had several children, including the future Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. Maria Anna passed away on May 13, 1877, leaving a legacy of cultural and social contributions.