Grand Duke Karl Friedrich of Saxe-Weimar was a German nobleman born on September 16, 1829. He was the son of Grand Duke Karl August of Saxe-Weimar and Princess Maria Pavlovna of Russia. Karl Friedrich became the Grand Duke in 1853 and ruled until his death in 1901, overseeing a period of modernization and cultural development in his duchy. During his reign, Karl Friedrich was known for his support of the arts and education. He played a significant role in promoting the Weimar Classicism movement, which celebrated literature and philosophy. His leadership contributed to the cultural legacy of Weimar, making it a center for intellectual and artistic pursuits in Germany.