Paula Kollonitz. With the Emperor to Popocatépetl

In April 1864, Countess Paula Kollonitz travels from Trieste to Mexico aboard the frigate Novara to accompany Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife Charlotte, whom she serves as lady-in-waiting, on the occasion of his coronation as emperor. After stops in Rome, Gibraltar, Madeira, Martinique, and Jamaica, the party arrives in Veracruz on 28 May and continues the arduous overland journey to Mexico City. Along the way, Kollonitz encounters Aztec ruins for the first time as well as an impressive landscape marked by volcanoes such as Citlaltépetl and Popocatépetl.

Fascinated by her stay, she vividly describes life in the capital and attentively observes different social groups. Alongside insights into the private life of the upper classes, she also notes poverty and social inequality, though she presents an idealized image of the Indigenous population. On 17 November 1864, she leaves Mexico, returns via Martinique, and reaches France in December.

In 1867 she publishes her travel account, A Journey to Mexico in the Year 1864, which gains particular significance in light of Emperor Maximilian’s later execution. The book stands as an important historical document, combining her firm belief in Maximilian’s “mission” with perceptive observations on Mexico’s political situation and the emperor’s problematic dependence on Napoleon III, the consequences of which she already clearly recognizes.

An event organized by the Weltmuseum Wien Friends. The Weltmuseum Wien Friends association offers a variety of advanced events to all those interested in the Weltmuseum Wien, such as object discussions, special guided tours, and excursions as well as film and photo presentations.

Lecture in German language
All guests require a valid museum ticket to participate in the event.
Participation is free for Annual Ticket holders, Weltmuseum Wien Friends, Patrons, Members, and Ambassadors as well as ICOM members and holders of the Kulturpass.
Registration: friends@weltmuseumwien.at
Meeting point: WMW Forum
Admission from 6.30 p.m.