François Aubert

François Aubert was a photographer active during a highly concentrated period, documented between 1864 and 1867. His surviving output is exclusively photographic, functioning as critical historical documentation primarily focused on the final years of the Second Mexican Empire and the subsequent execution of Emperor Maximilian.

Fifteen François Aubert prints are currently represented in major museum collections, establishing his significance as an early documentarian. His works are held in prestigious international institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Aubert’s known documentation centers on specific artifacts and locations tied to the 1867 events. Notable examples include the poignant The Shirt of the Emperor, Worn during His Execution, the structural documentation of [Convent in La Cruz], and the broader Architectural Study in Mexico. He also produced documentary portraits, such as [Baron von Magnus, autograph of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, Dr. Bosch]. The precision and historical focus of these photographs suggest a dedicated, possibly commissioned, effort to record the immediate aftermath of the imperial collapse.

Due to the period of their creation, many of Aubert’s photographs are now considered part of the public domain, allowing for widespread access to high-quality prints for historical and academic study.