Explore the Historical background of this artwork, The Execution of Marshal Ney.
Michel Ney was a marshal in Napoleon’s army, a heroic figure called "the bravest of the brave" by Napoleon. 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. At his execution he refused to wear a blindfold and was allowed to give the order to fire.
Napoleon Michel Ney