Cultures & Communities

Cleveland Many Peoples One Language Poster

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

Place: New York

Charles Perley's 1859 School and Church Seat Patent Model

Charles Perley from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school seat. Patent no. 24151 was issued on May 24, 1859.The patent is a combination of wood and metal, with a very wide bench. It is mechanically able to fold up from the bottom seat.
Description
Charles Perley from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school seat. Patent no. 24151 was issued on May 24, 1859.
The patent is a combination of wood and metal, with a very wide bench. It is mechanically able to fold up from the bottom seat. There are no curves or slopes that mold to the body and no armrests. They were designed to be used on the perimeter of the room when the rest of the school room, church, or other building is full. The folding seat was important for moving, as well as making the rooms easier to clean. There are two marks: "C. Perely and Sons/ 114 Columbia St, NY/ 1858," inscribed with a stamp on top of the base and on the seat back. The base is incorrrectly stamped with the name mispelled. The patent paper signature clearly spells "Perley."
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
patent date
1859-05-24
patentee
Perley, Charles
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Perley, Charles
ID Number
CL.65.0504
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0504
patent number
24151

David I. Stagg's 1875 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved folding school desk. Patent no. 167033 was issued on August 24, 1875.This model is made completely of unpolished wood.
Description
David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved folding school desk. Patent no. 167033 was issued on August 24, 1875.
This model is made completely of unpolished wood. Most of the wood is dark, but the wood that connects the chair to the hinges is a lighter color. The desk can fold in different ways, making it compact. It is set on a wooden foundation and can be pivoted vertically or folded at the front of the desk, leaving a chair or a bench with no backrest. The innovative arms, pins, and shoulders are used to pivot the desktop.
David I. Stagg was born September 6, 1816 in Patterson, New Jersey. For fifty years he served as an apprentice and journeyman in the New York school system. In his last post he served the New York City Board of Education as Superintendent of School Buildings, overseeing school construction from 1872-1886. The museum owns four of his school desk patent models. He died May 11, 1886.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
patent date
1875-08-24
patentee
Stagg, David I.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Stagg, David I.
ID Number
CL.65.0418
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0418
patent number
167,033

William Joeckel's 1861 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

William Joeckel from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 33994 was issued on December 24, 1861.This desk was made to accommodate students of different ages with seats and desks that are adjustable.
Description
William Joeckel from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 33994 was issued on December 24, 1861.
This desk was made to accommodate students of different ages with seats and desks that are adjustable. The seat and desk are wood, while other parts are made of cast iron. The desk has a storage shelf underneath, but its opening faces away from the stool. The seats can be raised so that they are out of the way, allowing for easy passage. The pedestal desk form became popular around the time of the Civil War.
William Joeckel was a partner in Joeckel & Johnson Church & School Furniture in New York City. It was common during the 19th Century for school desk manufacturers to also make church and theater furnishings.
date made
1861
patent date
1861-12-24
patentee
Joeckel, William H.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Joeckel, William H.
ID Number
CL.65.0512
catalog number
65.0512
accession number
249602
patent number
33,994

John Peard's 1877 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 190896 was issued on May 15, 1877.This desk sits on a wooden platform with a bench seat that can fold up. The patent features holes punched into the wood to form a design.
Description
John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 190896 was issued on May 15, 1877.
This desk sits on a wooden platform with a bench seat that can fold up. The patent features holes punched into the wood to form a design. It has a slatted wooden platform with metal hinges. The desk is attached to the backrest. There is a shelf underneath the desk top for storage.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
patent date
1877-05-15
patentee
Peard, John
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Peard, John
ID Number
CL.65.0403
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0403
patent number
190,896

Indian with Tomahawk Weathervane

Depicting an Indian with a raised tomahawk. The image is the same on both sides. Painted figure with a five plume headpiece in blue, black yellow and red; blue jacket with five yellow buttons and a yellow belt; blue garters, brown shoes.
Description (Brief)
Depicting an Indian with a raised tomahawk. The image is the same on both sides. Painted figure with a five plume headpiece in blue, black yellow and red; blue jacket with five yellow buttons and a yellow belt; blue garters, brown shoes. The figure holds a bow in front hand and a raised tomahawk in the back hand. There is a brace to hold the tomahawk and arm on one side and the other side has a brace across shoulders which connects to support rod.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1850-1899
ID Number
CL.65.0918
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.0918

David I. Stagg's 1867 School Desk Patent Model

David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved invention for a school desk attachment. Patent no. 69501 was issued on October 1, 1867.The patent featured a metal frame that would be fitted into slots on the desktop.
Description
David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved invention for a school desk attachment. Patent no. 69501 was issued on October 1, 1867.
The patent featured a metal frame that would be fitted into slots on the desktop. The frame served to hold maps, drawings, or documents while they were being copied. The model is made entirely of dark wood, and the desktop is tilted to illustrate the position of the frame.
David I. Stagg was born September 6, 1816 in Patterson, New Jersey. For fifty years he served as an apprentice and journeyman in the New York school system. In his last post he served the New York City Board of Education as Superintendent of School Buildings, overseeing school construction from 1872-1886. The museum owns four of his school desk patent models. He died May 11, 1886.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867
patent date
1867-10-01
patentee
Stagg, David I.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Stagg, David I.
ID Number
CL.65.0363
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0363
patent number
69,501

Wesley Chase's 1870 School Desk Patent Model

Wesley Chase from Buffalo, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100600 was issued on March 8, 1870.This desk is made of wood and has a compartment for schoolbooks and other materials.
Description
Wesley Chase from Buffalo, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100600 was issued on March 8, 1870.
This desk is made of wood and has a compartment for schoolbooks and other materials. The metal bolted legs are connected from the front and back left and the front and back right. The legs flare out. The second piece has a flat top that is curved and arched at one end, but flat on the other. There are two pieces of wood that connect and flare out like a stem for base support. It was meant to be durable, strong, and lightweight while costing less.
Wesley Chase was a partner in M.W. Chase, a manufacturer of church and school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-03-08
patentee
Chase, Wesley
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Chase, Wesley
ID Number
CL.65.0425
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0425
patent number
100,600

Spread-Winged Eagle Figure

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
ID Number
CL.65.1074
catalog number
65.1074
accession number
256396

David I. Stagg's 1876 School Desk Patent Model

David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177583 was issued on May 16, 1876.This model is made completely of unpolished wood. Most of the wood is dark, but the wood that connects the chair to the hinges is lighter colored.
Description
David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177583 was issued on May 16, 1876.
This model is made completely of unpolished wood. Most of the wood is dark, but the wood that connects the chair to the hinges is lighter colored. The desk can fold in different ways, making it compact. The desk is set on a wooden foundation and can be pivoted vertically or folded at the front of the desk, leaving a chair or a bench with no backrest. The innovative arms, pins, and shoulders are used to pivot the desktop.
David I. Stagg was born September 6, 1816 in Patterson, New Jersey. For fifty years he served as an apprentice and journeyman in the New York school system. In his last post he served the New York City Board of Education as Superintendent of School Buildings, overseeing school construction from 1872-1886. The museum owns four of his school desk patent models. He died May 11, 1886.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-05-16
patentee
Stagg, David I.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Stagg, David I.
ID Number
CL.65.0398
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0398
patent number
177,583

George W. Hildreth's 1868 School Desk Patent Model

George W. Hildreth from Niagara, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 74688 was issued on February 18, 1868.This desk is made of wood with metal hinges and the legs and feet are cast iron.
Description
George W. Hildreth from Niagara, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 74688 was issued on February 18, 1868.
This desk is made of wood with metal hinges and the legs and feet are cast iron. There is pen or pencil writing on the desktop, but it is not legible. The desktop can be folded to reveal storage. The cast iron has a Gothic architectural design.
George W. Hildreth was born in 1805. He trained as a machinist and builder. In 1833 he established Hildreth & Co. in Lockport, New York, to manufacture school and opera furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
associated date
1867
patent date
1868-02-18
patentee
Hildreth, George W.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Hildreth, George W.
ID Number
CL.65.0366
catalog number
65.0366
accession number
249602
patent number
74,688

John Peard's 1867 School Desk Patent Model fragment

John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and settee. Patent no. 66384 was issued on May 7, 1867.This model is made of wood featuring a Gothic design. "John Peard" is lightly written on the top of the desk.
Description
John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and settee. Patent no. 66384 was issued on May 7, 1867.
This model is made of wood featuring a Gothic design. "John Peard" is lightly written on the top of the desk. Only a fragment of the patent model has survived. The support piece has two grooved pencil areas and a circular cutout in the center. There are several tags attached to the piece.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867
patent date
1867-07-02
patentee
Peard, John
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Peard, John
ID Number
CL.65.0362
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0362
patent number
66,384

John Long and Eugene Convers's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Long and Eugene Converse from Oswego, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117090 was issued on July 18, 1871.This patent features an adjustable tabletop. The desk sits on two shafts that feature groves.
Description
John Long and Eugene Converse from Oswego, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117090 was issued on July 18, 1871.
This patent features an adjustable tabletop. The desk sits on two shafts that feature groves. The desk can be raised and lowered as it locks into place with the groves. The model is made of unpolished dark wood and brass. The backrest and seat do not join so there is no lower back support. The attached desk folds down and the horseshoe-shaped brass legs are attached to the bottom of the seat. A silver plate on the desk has "John Long and Eugene Converse, Inventors" engraved on it.
In 1874, John Long was recorded as working with furniture, presumably as a carpenter or manufacturer.
In 1866, Eugene Converse was registered as a gunsmith, locksmith, and ornamental fence ironworker.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-07-18
patentee
Long
Converse
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Long, John
Convers, Eugene
ID Number
CL.65.0381
catalog number
65.0381
accession number
249602
patent number
117,090

Oklahoma Overture; Finale

side 1: Oklahoma Orchestra. Oklahoma Overture; side 2: Alfred Drake and Joan Roberts with Oklahoma Chorus & Orchestra. Finale (Decca 23282), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359).
Description

side 1: Oklahoma Orchestra. Oklahoma Overture; side 2: Alfred Drake and Joan Roberts with Oklahoma Chorus & Orchestra. Finale (Decca 23282), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359). 78 rpm.

This album is from the 1943 Broadway musical Oklahoma!, with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rogers. Oklahoma! opened on March 31, 1943 at the St. James Theatre and ran for 2,212 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1943
recording artist
Drake, Alfred
Roberts, Joan
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1980.0339.06
maker number
23282
A-359
accession number
1980.0339
catalog number
1980.0339.06

1851 - 1855 Ripley Family's "Friendship" Quilt

About 1855 in Northfield, Mass., Charles Torrence Ripley was preparing to move his family and daguerreotyping business to Fond du Lac, Wis.
Description
About 1855 in Northfield, Mass., Charles Torrence Ripley was preparing to move his family and daguerreotyping business to Fond du Lac, Wis. This “Friendship” quilt was made by friends and family for his wife, Lucy Arabella (Holton) Ripley.
Friendship quilts are composed of signed blocks of the same pattern often accompanied by an inscription. These quilts were popular in the mid-19th century when many families were relocating further west and a tangible reminder of those they left behind was in order. It is through the many signatures on this quilt that some of its history can be traced.
Blue and white printed cottons are pieced in the “Friendship Chain” (“Album” or Chimney Sweep”) pattern, and the blocks are set diagonally with a 3 ½ -inch blue-and-white polka-dot sashing. The blocks are partly outline-quilted and many have four “Xs” quilted in the white center area.
The majority of the ink-inscribed blocks (28) are from Massachusetts (mainly Northfield) and New Hampshire. Three name towns in Wisconsin, one dated 1854, and the other two, 1920s. Five other blocks are dated 1901 and 1926 and are inscribed in indelible pencil. It would appear that these were written long after the quilt was made and may indicate a significant date or person to be remembered.
In addition to names, places, and dates, many of the blocks contain verses pertinent to friendship. Adaline Swan from Northfield, Mass., penned this on her block in 1851:
“The storm-cloud comes o’er the autumn sky
And the flow’rets in their beauty die,
But friendship true, is an ever green.
That decayeth not ‘neath a sky serene”
(”True Friendship” by James Aylward 1813-1872)
The verses were taken from many sources and may have appeared in magazines or newspapers of the period.
The name of the Museum's donor, “Ione Ripley, Aug 18, 1926, Kenosha, Wisconsin” is written on one of the blocks in purple indelible pencil. The quilt had been kept in the family of her father, Floyd Stratton Ripley, until Ione donated it in 1956. Floyd Stratton Ripley was the son of Charles Stratton Ripley (1851-1914), who immigrated with his parents (Charles Torrance Ripley and Lucy Arabella Ripley) in 1855 to Fond du Lac, Wis., from Northfield, Mass. The initial recipient of this quilt, Lucy Arabella Holton, was born in 1821 in Northfield, Mass. She married Charles Torrance Ripley (b.1815) in 1847, and moved with her 3-year-old son to Fond du Lac in 1855 and had two more children. Her husband established a studio in Fond du Lac, but died in 1861. Lucy died in 1887. Her daughter-in-law, Florence Fellows Ripley (1863-1926), owned the quilt before Ione. Her name, also in indelible pencil, is noted on a block with the date 1901 and Kenosha, Wisconsin. Most likely the donor, Ione, received this quilt after her great-aunt’s death in July 1926.
The quilt was kept in the family for more than 100 years, and now serves as an example of one way a community created a memento for those who left to settle in the West.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851-1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T11452
accession number
210281
catalog number
T11452

Brochure for Cooley's Cabinet Printing Office, dated July, 1862

Like other portable presses sold at this time, J. G. Cooley's New York Cabinet Press was sold with accompanying equipment in more than one size.
Description
Like other portable presses sold at this time, J. G. Cooley's New York Cabinet Press was sold with accompanying equipment in more than one size. This 1862 advertisement for the Cooley press calls for its use by small country printers, merchants, druggists, grocers, bankers, and the army and navy &c.
The advertisement states: Gen. McClellan, upon the recommendation of Capt. Irwin, of his staff, who was detailed especially to examine it, ordered two complete offices for his head-quarters, Col. Ferris, of the Conn. Fifth, has one; Col. Mix, of the New York Cavalry, has one; Gen. Burnside has one; Gen. Porter, one; Rev. G. D. Crocker, Chaplain of Ira Harris Bridgade, has one; Capt. Tallmadge has one at Fortress Monroe . . . .
No known examples of this press still exist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1862
printer
Cooley, J. G.
ID Number
2007.0162.010
accession number
2007.0162
catalog number
2007.0162.010

Daily News Vol. 46. No. 207

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-02-22
graphic artist
News Syndicate Co., Inc.
ID Number
2012.3028.01
accession number
2012.3028

Stoneware Oyster Storage Jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800-1803
maker
Commeraw, Thomas
ID Number
2015.0339.01
catalog number
2015.0339.01
accession number
2015.0339

Advertisement for the Adams Cottage Press, about 1864

Kits for the Adams Cottage Press were sold in five different sizes, enabling the production of different-sized documents. The kits, along with the press, included printing equipment such as type, rollers, and ink.The advertisement reads: To the army and navy . . .
Description
Kits for the Adams Cottage Press were sold in five different sizes, enabling the production of different-sized documents. The kits, along with the press, included printing equipment such as type, rollers, and ink.
The advertisement reads: To the army and navy . . . they will be found very useful. They can be packed within the compass of a common traveling trunk, and transported any distance without injury. We have supplied quite a number of regiments with portable printing offices, and they have given universal satisfaction. Rear-Admirals Farragut, Goldsborough and Bailey have each one of our printing offices in their respective fleets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
manufacturer
Adams Press Company
Watson, Joseph
ID Number
2007.0162.011
accession number
2007.0162
catalog number
2007.0162.011

1906 Chinese Immigrant’s Lacquer Trunk

In 1906 Ng Shee Lee packed her clothes and belongings in this trunk and left China for America. It was a difficult trip. She slept next to the noisy engine room; arriving tired and sick in San Francisco she was met by the devastating 1906 earthquake.
Description (Brief)
In 1906 Ng Shee Lee packed her clothes and belongings in this trunk and left China for America. It was a difficult trip. She slept next to the noisy engine room; arriving tired and sick in San Francisco she was met by the devastating 1906 earthquake. Ng Shee then made her way alone by train across Canada to New York where she rejoined her husband, Lee B. Lok.
Description
In 1906 Nge Shee Lee packed her clothes and belongings in this trunk and left China for America. It was a difficult trip. She slept next to the noisy engine room; arriving tired and sick in San Francisco she was met by the devastating 1906 earthquake. Ng Shee then made her way alone by train across Canada to New York where she rejoined her husband.
date made
ca 1906
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.01
catalog number
1992.0620.01
accession number
1992.0620

1895 - 1905 Chinese American Woman's Skirt

Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr.
Description (Brief)
Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr. Lee in New York City in 1906.
The pleated skirt was often worn with a rectangular apron or wei chu’u over a pair of matching trousers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.20
accession number
1992.0620
catalog number
1992.0620.20

1915 - 1925 Chinese American Girl's Trousers

One of the Lee daughters wore this casual Chinese-style outfit on special occasions, for none of the children wore Chinese dress for every day wear.
Description (Brief)
One of the Lee daughters wore this casual Chinese-style outfit on special occasions, for none of the children wore Chinese dress for every day wear. The trouser band or fu tau , translated as the “head of the trousers,” was folded over and secured with a belt or cord and covered by the vest.
Lee B. Lok, his wife Ng Shee, and their seven children lived above the Quong Yuen Shing & Co. store in New York City's Chinatown. Though the children wore Western clothes and participated in the local Scout troop and other clubs, their parents required them to attend Chinese school each day, from 4-7 PM.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.10
catalog number
1992.0620.10
accession number
1992.0620

1895 - 1900 Chinese American Man's Slippers

Mr. Lee only wore these slippers in his home or with his traditional Chinese clothes on special occasions.
Description (Brief)
Mr. Lee only wore these slippers in his home or with his traditional Chinese clothes on special occasions. The slipper sole was thick, flat, inelastic, and shorter than the upper sole to give enough spring for walking.
For much of his early life, the Chinese New Year was Lee’s only day of rest from the Quong Yuen Shing & Co. general store and a time when he might wear these slippers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1896
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.27.a-b
catalog number
1992.0620.27.a-b
accession number
1992.0620
catalog number
1992.0620.27a-b

1895 - 1905 Chinese American Woman's Trousers

Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr.
Description (Brief)
Ng Shee (1874 - ?) had this two paneled skirt as well as trousers made in Hong Kong at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lee B. Lok in China around 1900. After the marriage Ng Shee lived with her mother in law in China until she joined Mr. Lee in New York City in 1906.
The pair of matching trousers was often worn under the pleated skirt with a rectangular apron or wei chu’u.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
unknown
ID Number
1992.0620.21
catalog number
1992.0620.21
accession number
1992.0620

The Last Moment of the Emperor Maximilian

This relief print from The Magazine of Art dramatically illustrates the final moments before the execution of the Mexican Emperor Maximilian I in 1867. An Austrian noble by birth, Maximilian was installed by Napoleon III of France.
Description
This relief print from The Magazine of Art dramatically illustrates the final moments before the execution of the Mexican Emperor Maximilian I in 1867. An Austrian noble by birth, Maximilian was installed by Napoleon III of France. French forces had invaded Mexico in 1862, after President Benito Juárez suspended payments on its foreign debt. Despite a major victory by Mexican forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, the French seized control of large sections of Mexico, including the capital. Maximilian was initially supported by Mexican conservatives in a backlash against the changes instituted by the Mexican War of Reform (1857–1861). However, once on the throne, his support of a free press, open universities, land reform, and other progressive ideas of the day proved to be out of step with his conservative constituency and the Catholic Church. Menaced by the government of the United States, victorious after its own civil war, and the rising success of Mexican nationalist forces, the French withdrew their military support of Maximilian, the last emperor of Mexico. This historic image is one of 45,000 artistic and commercials prints housed in the Graphic Arts Collection of the National Museum of American History.
Description (Spanish)
Esta impresión en relieve de La Revista de Arte ilustra dramáticamente los últimos momentos previos a la ejecución del Emperador Maximiliano en 1867. Noble nacido en Austria, Maximiliano fue llevado al poder por Napoleón III de Francia, cuyas fuerzas invadieron México en 1862 luego de que el Presidente Benito Juárez suspendiera los pagos de la deuda externa. A pesar de la importante victoria del ejército mexicano en la batalla de Puebla el 5 de mayo de 1862, los franceses asumieron el control de grandes secciones de México, incluyendo la capital. Al principio, Maximiliano recibió el apoyo de los conservadores mexicanos, quienes reaccionaron en contra de los cambios instituidos por la Guerra de Reforma de México (1857–1861). Sin embargo, una vez que ocupó el trono, su respaldo a la libertad de prensa, a las universidades abiertas, a la reforma agraria, junto a otras ideas progresistas de la época probó estar en desacuerdo con sus partidarios conservadores y con los miembros de la iglesia católica. Amenazado por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos, que había salido victorioso de su propia Guerra Civil, y por los triunfos en aumento de las fuerzas nacionales mexicanas, los franceses retiraron el apoyo militar a Maximiliano, el último emperador de México. Esta imagen histórica se cuenta entre las 45.000 obras artísticas y comerciales que alberga la Colección de Artes Gráficas del Museo Nacional de Historia Americano.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1890
graphic artist
Babbage, T.
publisher
Magazine of Art
ID Number
1996.0197.350
catalog number
1996.0197.350
accession number
1996.0197

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