orig. Marie Dolores Eliza Rosanna Gilbert
born 1818, Limerick, Ire.
died Jan. 17, 1861, New York, N.Y., U.S.
Irish adventuress and dancer who achieved notoriety as the mistress of King Louis I of Bavaria.
After a few dance lessons in Spain, she toured Europe, billing herself as a Spanish dancer. While in Munich in 1846, she became Louis's mistress and influenced him toward supporting liberal and anti-Jesuit policies. Her power over the king provoked angry reactions in the government in 1848, forcing her to flee and causing his abdication. After further tours, she settled in New York City.