Photograph of a portrait of Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, standing in three-quarters length and facing the viewer. He rests his left hand on the top of a plinth that stands on the right.   

Maximilian, the son of Francis Charles, Archduke of Austria, entered into an agreement with Napoleon III to establish French power in Mexico. With French support, Maximilian was declared the new Emperor in 1864. Maximilian was only ever considered a 'puppet' Emperor and French support eventually receded leaving Maximilian vulnerable to forces loyal to the Mexican Republic. In 1867 he was executed by the Mexican Government who had never wholly endorsed his rule.