Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor Portrait 1640 - 1705

Leopold I became emperor after the sudden death of his brother Ferdinand IV. Originally destined for a career in the Church, his strict religious upbringing made him a zealous proponent of the Counter-Reformation. During his long reign the Habsburg Monarchy waged numerous wars, against France, the Ottoman Empire and internal enemies in Hungary. As a Baroque ruler, Leopold promoted the arts and had an especially keen interest in music.