Projecting Imperial Power: New Nineteenth Century Emperors and the Public Sphere

The nineteenth century is notable for its newly proclaimed emperors, from Franz I of Austria and Napoleon I in 1804, through Agustín of Mexico, Pedro I of Brazil, Napoleon III of France, Maximilian of Mexico, and Wilhelm I of Germany, to Victoria, empress of India, in 1876. These monarchs projected an imperial aura through coronations, courts, medals, costumes, portraits, monuments, international exhibitions, festivals, religion, architecture, and town planning. They relied on ancient histo...