French
Musket Ball, early 19th century
Lead, 2 cm (13/16 in.)
A circular musket ball made of lead that is 2cm in diameter with rusting and indentations throughout.
Short Gallery
Commentary
A towering figure in the nineteenth century imagination, Napoléon Bonaparte inspired collectors who gathered souvenirs of his life and career. Isabella Stewart Gardner attended finishing school in Paris during the 1850s and was captivated by French literature, culture, and history. When she built her museum, she devoted a small case in the Short Gallery to memorabilia connected to Napoléon, including this musket ball.