The Execution of Emperor Maximilian 1867

"The Execution of Emperor Maximilian" (1867) by Édouard Manet depicts the final moments of the execution of Maximilian I of Mexico, a controversial event that occurred in 1867. The painting, located at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, features a stark, almost journalistic portrayal of the event, capturing the tension and immediacy of the scene. Manet's use of loose brushstrokes and muted colors adds to the sense of realism and historical accuracy, making this a key example of his work during the transition from Realism to Impressionism.