Maximilian 

Franz Xaver Winterhalter painted this portrait of Maximilian, an Austrian Archduke, at a time when European power was aggressively expanding overseas. Winterhalter, a sought-after portraitist, captured Maximilian with a reserved yet self-assured gaze. His neatly trimmed beard and the ornate decorations speak to the aristocratic ideals of masculinity and status he embodies. What is more complex is the political ambition visible in Maximilian's eyes. Maximilian's acceptance of the throne of Mexico was supported by conservative factions there. He and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium, envisioned themselves as modernizing monarchs. Yet, this decision was made amidst great social upheaval, reflecting the imperialistic and colonial practices of the time. Maximilian was eventually executed by the Mexican government. This portrait serves as a window into the personal and political identity of a man who sought to reshape his destiny and that of a nation, only to meet a tragic end.