The Execution of Marshal Ney
About this object
Michel Ney was a marshal in Napoleon’s army. When Napoleon abdicated in 1814 Ney pledged his allegiance to the Bourbon monarchy, but when Napoleon returned to France, Ney rejoined his former leader.
When the monarchy was restored in 1815 Marshal Ney was accused of plotting Napoleon’s return and charged with treason. Marshal Ney was a heroic figure, described by contemporaries as ‘the bravest of the brave’. At his execution he refused to wear a blindfold and was allowed to give the order to fire.
