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The Execution of Emperor Maximilian

Unknown

1867

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

The Execution of Emperor Maximilian is a 1867 by Unknown, a Impressionism work, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1867 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This painting shows a group of soldiers in dark uniforms, standing in a line and aiming rifles. The scene looks chaotic, with smoke or dust swirling around them. The background is dark and blurry, like a crowd or buildings in the distance. The brushstrokes are thick and visible, giving the painting a rough, urgent feel. The soldiers’ faces are mostly turned away, making it hard to read their expressions. Look up impasto to see how artists use thick paint like this.