Arriving on the outskirts of Moscow, Napoleon and his army bring with them a path of destruction. As they proceed through Russia, they burn and destroy all obstacles that they encounter; a tactic that eventually had dire effects on the French during the Russian winter. In the foreground of the image, French soldiers are shown burning and looting Russian buildings. On the left, two soldiers struggle to save their comrades who lie under the fallen beams of the burning building. A third soldier pokes at the body of an animal that is draped over a rail; this soldier, starving, or simply debased, expresses joy at having found meat. In the right corner is a similar scene of plunder. Two French soldiers are shown happily exclaiming while their comrades emerge from a wine cellar carrying flasks. It would seem that between the two figure groups, dinner is served. These two foreground groups are set on diagonals that call attention to the open space in center of the image. n this central space, Napoleon has just arrived on his trademark white horse. Behind him, other soldiers likewise pull their horses to a stop. Facing Napoleon on the right, an old gentleman wearing a long cloak removes his hat and addresses the Emperor. The gentleman identifies himself as the secretary of the Foundling Hospital and expresses his hopes that Napoleon will find the city "warm enough." In reply to this courtesy, Napoleon orders that the Kremlin be burned. The city of Moscow can be seen across the river, along the horizon. French troops line the bridge and stand in organized rows waiting for their command. George notes that the French troops "did their best to save important buildings in Moscow, especially the Kremlin and the Foundling Hospital, and to prevent the fire from spreading. After the fire, they looted wine-cellars; ample provisions remained for the invaders during the occupation... On departing Napoleon gave orders for the destruction of the Kremlin..." (George, vol. ix, 244).
Notes:
Published by Thomas Tegg. 1813-05-00
Caption: Pubd May 1813 by Thos Tegg 111 Cheapside
Dialogue: French soldiers in left foreground: "Ah I find de roast meat by gar!" "Holla comrade you not want so much covering de place be warm assez." French soldier in center middleground, addressing Napoleon: "Sire ther is the higest Functionary we found in the place to welcome you to Moscow." Napoleon: "Let that palace be blown up as they have begun. I'll finish they shall remember Napoleon the Great." Russian Gentleman, to Napoleon: "I am secretary to the Foundling Hospital. I hope your Majesy will find Moscow warm enough." French soldier in right foreground: "Diable you find some wine."
"Warm winter quarters or Moscow well aired for Nap and his Grand Army, Russian campaign plate 5"
(1813).
Prints, Drawings and Watercolors from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection, Napoleonic Satires from the Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:232412/
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The Napoleonic satires housed in the Anne S. K. Brown Military collection of the John Hay Library represent several important gifts made to the library in the 20th century. In addition to the Napoleonic satires located in the military collection …
