A 19TH CENTURY COURT PORTRAIT OF EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN I (Austrian 1832-1867) OF MEXICO, oil on canvas, dated and labeled "Arias 1866" verso. 22" x 16" NOTE: Born Ferdinand Maximillian Joseph, he was the younger brother of Austrian emperor Fracis Joseph I. He accepted the offer from Napoleon III to rule Mexico and secure a French rule in the Americas. He had the support of the French Army and a handful of Mexican monarchists. He declared himself Emperor of Mexico on April 10, 1864. His reign did not last long, despite being recognized by other European countries, he was executed by the Mexican government led by Benito Juarez in 1867.