Pedro II (1825–1891) was the
second and final emperor of Brazil, reigning from 1831 until his deposition in
a military coup in 1889. He became emperor aged five after
the abdication of his father,
Pedro I, and
was declared of age in 1840. His reign saw political stability, greater freedom of speech, economic growth and victories in the
Platine War, the
Uruguayan War and the
Paraguayan War. Pedro supported the
abolition of slavery in Brazil, and promoted education, science and culture. After being overthrown,
he was sent into exile in Europe, where he lived modestly. He died in Paris in 1891, and his remains were returned to Brazil in 1921. This photograph of Pedro was taken in 1891, the year of his death, by the French photographer
Nadar.
Photograph credit: Nadar; restored by Adam Cuerden