The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

24 CDVs of royalty, politicians, military leaders, and civilians associated with the Second Mexican Empire. Ca 1864-1867. Various photographers based in the United States, Europe, and Mexico are represented, including Anthony/Brady, Fredricks, Ghemar Freres, L. Angerer, Mayer & Pierson, Reutlinger, Disderi, Liebert, de Planque, Maison Cremiere, Berthaud, and Aubert & Co. The name of the subject, when available, is written on mount recto or verso. Images in overall good to very good condition. Most feature some toning and light spotting, with wear to mount edges and corners

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 with a pledge of French military support in exchange. 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 8 CDVs of Emperor Maximilian I and his wife Charlotte of Belgium (Carlota) (1840-1927) are enclosed, including 2 views in which he is posed with all three of his brothers, most notably Austrian Emperor Franz-Joseph I.

The lot contains several images related to Maximilian’s reign as Emperor of Mexico, including: Miguel Miramón, former President of Mexico and conservative general who was executed with Maximilian. -- General Tomás Mejía, a conservative general who was executed alongside Emperor Maximilian. -- Benito Juárez, Mexican President and military commander. -- Marshal François Achille Bazaine. -- Marshal Elie Frédéric Forey. -- Admiral Jean Pierre Edmond Jurien de La Gravière. -- General Justin Clinchant. -- Prince Felix Constantin Alexander Johann Nepomuk of Salm-Salm. Two views, one that may be signed in his hand, the other showing Salm-Salm with his wife. Salm-Salm served in the Prussian Army, Austrian Army, the Union Army (8th and 68th NY Infantries), the army of Emperor Maximilian in Mexico, and thereafter in the Prussian Army. He was killed in action during the Franco-Prussian War. -- Unidentified French Foreign Legionnaire in Mexico. -- Frederick Hall, American lawyer who represented US business in Mexico and helped prepare the defense of Maximilian when he went to trial. -- Napoleon III, French Emperor. -- Princess Maria Clotilde of Savoy, wife of Prince Napoléon-Jérôme Bonaparte. -- Composite view of the French Ministers by Disderi, with miniature portrait of the photographer in lower right corner.