[General Tomas Mejia, Emperor Maximilian, General Misamon]

This striking photograph, titled "[General Tomas Mejia, Emperor Maximilian, General Misamon]," captures three pivotal figures from a dramatic moment in Mexican history. Taken in 1867 by an artist named Noriega, the image is an albumen silver print, a popular photographic process of the era known for its fine detail and rich tonal range. The Met Museum's collection features several works by Noriega from the same year, all documenting the final days and aftermath of Emperor Maximilian's ill-fated reign in Mexico. Other photographs in the series depict sites of imprisonment, the death scene, and even Maximilian's death carriage, creating a somber visual record of a significant political upheaval. While the artist's full name and biographical details remain elusive, the consistency of subject matter and date across these works suggests a focused engagement with this historical event. This particular piece, with its triple portrait, offers a direct look at the key players, freezing their images in time just as their fates were being sealed.