Manet, Execution of Emperor Maximilian

Question 1

Spain, England, France

Answer 1

Band together to collect debts from Mexico

Question 2

Napoleon III, Mexico

Answer 2

He wants to gain control of Mexico. Decided to make Maximilian the emperor. Maximilian and troops invade Mexico City and take over. Spain and England are not comfortable and back out. Mexican president- Juarez. Emperor Maximilian ruled for 5 years- it did not go smoothly. Napoleon withdrew troops and left Maximilian there! President Juarez returns, catches Maximilian, General Miramon and General Mejia- executes all 3.

Question 3

Manet, Execution of Emperor Maximilian, 1867-1869

Answer 3

French soldiers are shown- Napoleon III metaphorically killed Maximilian. Maximilian represents failure. Napoleon III puts blame on Mexico by not bringing Maximilian home- French press makes Maximilian look incompetent.

There was a lithograph of this image. Stone was confiscated. Manet’s point is to blame Napoleon.

Rejected from Salon des Refuses for subject matter.

Question 4

Goya, The Third of May 1804, 1814

Answer 4

Manet was inspired by this piece- he looked to past Masters for inspiration. French invasion of Spain, soldiers shot rebels without a trial.

Question 5

Salon- annual exhibition in Paris

Answer 5

Modern equivalent- Whitney Biennial in U.S.

Impressionist work wasn’t allowed. Salon des Refuses- organized by rejected Impressionists. Manet’s paintings was NOT an option to be shown- it has never been shown in France. It was shown in NY and Boston.

Question 6

Mayor Harold Washington Painting

Answer 6

Shown in lingerie, removed from exhibit. Painted by AIC student. Mayor of Chicago at the time was very overweight and allegedly went to the emergency room and they found he was wearing a bra and panties. Late 1980s.