Fotocollage met portretten van Frans Karel van Oostenrijk, Frederik III van Pruisen, Wilhelm I van Duitsland, Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke en Otto von Bismarck c. 1867 - 1872

This anonymous photocollage, created between 1867 and 1872, showcases prominent figures of the Franco-Prussian War. It features portraits of Frans Karel van Oostenrijk, Frederik III van Pruisen, Wilhelm I van Duitsland, Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke and Otto von Bismarck, arranged in a decorative frame. The collage, now held in the Rijksmuseum, is a fascinating snapshot of the political and military leaders who shaped the conflict. It is a testament to the power of photography to capture historical moments and individuals who played key roles in shaping the course of history. The image provides a glimpse into the visual culture of the time, with its formal portraits and ornate framing. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the Franco-Prussian War, a turning point in European history.