The size is standard 5 ½" x 3 ½". The obverse features a reproduction of the artwork by the famous Russian battle painter of Polish descent Viktor Mazurovski (Виктор Викентьевич Мазуровский, 1859 - 1944) which he painted to mark the centennial of the Patriotic War of 1812. The painting depicts the moment of the war when Napoleon's cavalry is riding in Red Square, entering the burning city lit by the Muscovites thems

The size is standard 5 ½" x 3 ½". The obverse features a reproduction of the artwork by the famous Russian battle painter of Polish descent Viktor Mazurovski (Виктор Викентьевич Мазуровский, 1859 - 1944) which he painted to mark the centennial of the Patriotic War of 1812. The painting depicts the moment of the war when Napoleon's cavalry is riding in Red Square, entering the burning city lit by the Muscovites themselves, a desperate measure that contributed to Napoleon's decision a few weeks later to leave Moscow and retreat.

We must point out the discrepancy between the caption at the bottom of the postcard, and the historic facts. The caption says, historically inaccurately, "Moscow on fire at the moment of Napoleon's army's retreat". In fact, Napoleon's army stayed in Moscow until a month after the fire had run its course.

Of interest is the publisher of this postcard, Singer & Co., world-famous manufacturer of sewing machines. The logo of the company is in the upper left-hand corner on the verso.

In very good to excellent condition. The cardboard base of the card is covered with a thin film of textured laminate. On the obverse, it shows only minuscule wear to the corners. At the bottom part of the verso, several spots where this laminate is missing but, since it is transparent, the wear is barely noticeable.

Viktor Mazurovski was born in Warsaw where he attended a drawing class. He continued his education in the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg where his paintings of battle scenes won him two silver medals, one "small" gold medal, and one "big" gold medal. He graduated the Academy with the title of artist 1st cl. and a stipend from the Imperial Russian Army which funded a four-year-long stay abroad. Upon return, Mazurovski is appointed to the post of an artist with the Russian Army. He paints at home and while on the front lines of the Russo-Japanese war of 1905, and then of WW1.

After a short period of working in the then Bolshevist Russia, he emigrated to Europe. He was murdered by the SS in 1944 in Warsaw at the age of 85, together with his wife.

Please note that the penny in our photo is for size reference.
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