Books & Manuscripts, including Americana

Folio album with figural thermoplastic front cover, 12 1/4 x 9 in., containing approx. 185 CDVs of royalty, politicians, military leaders, and civilians associated with the Second Mexican Empire. An ink stamp on the FFEP identifies the album to Joaquin Pardo Furlong (1845-1920). Various photographers based in Europe and Mexico are represented, including Prevot, Malovich, Ghemar, Aubert, De Anorbe, Martinez, Rizo, Reutlinger, Disderi, Campa, and many others. The subject's name, when available, is written on the album page below each portrait. A number is also written below each portrait, corresponding to a typed list of the subjects represented in the album.  

Maximilian I of Mexico (1832-1867) was an Austrian archduke and younger brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, who reigned as the only Emperor of the Second Mexican Empire from 10 April 1864 until his execution on 19 June 1867.

In 1821, after Mexico gained independence, conservative and liberal parties materialized, including a monarchist faction. An envoy of Mexican monarchists approached Maximilian in 1859, offering him the throne, and he accepted the crown of Mexico in April 1864 in exchange for a pledge of French military support. At the cost of his conservative supporters, Maximilian was determined to enact liberal policies. The conclusion of the American Civil War in 1865 allowed the United States to more vigorously enforce the Monroe Doctrine. Recognizing Benito Juárez as the rightful head of state, the US stepped up its aid and threatened military action, prompting France to withdraw its forces from Mexico. This move destabilized the monarchy of Maximilian I, who was subsequently captured, tried, and executed in June 1867.

Approximately 25 CDVs of Emperor Maximilian I, his wife Charlotte of Belgium (1840-1927), and his brothers are enclosed, including views in which he is posed with all three of his brothers, most notably Austrian Emperor Franz-Joseph I.

The album contains several images related to Maximilian’s reign as Emperor of Mexico, including: an artistic rendering of the Mexican Delegation appointing Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico by Ceasrae Dell'Acqua. -- A studio portrait of the Mexican deputation. -- General Tomás Mejía, a conservative general who was executed alongside Emperor Maximilian. -- Miguel Miramón, former President of Mexico and conservative general who was executed with Maximilian. -- General Ramón Méndez, executed separately from Maximilian by firing squad as retaliation for his execution of Republican prisoners. -- Colonel Miguel Lopez, initial supporter of Maximilian who betrayed the town of Querétaro to Republicans, which resulted in the capture of Maximilian and his generals; several portraits of military, religious, and political figures, many identified. -- At least three views related to Maximilian's execution, including Cerro de las Campanas, where the execution took place. 

Additional information regarding the album's contents is available upon request.