Photographic portrait in full length of Duke Ludwig Wilhelm in Bavaria. The subject is shown standing in three quarter view, facing towards the right of the image. The subject's dark, wavy hair is worn in a side parting and he has a handlebar moustache. He is wearing military uniform adorned with various insignia, a sash and prominent epaulettes. On his left hip he is wearing a sword and in his right hand he is holding a tricorne hat. His left hand is placed in his trouser pocket. He is wearing highly polished black leather over-the-knee boots.

Maximilian was the son of Maximilian Joseph in Bayern (1808-88) and Ludovika Wilhelmine von Bayern (1808-92).