Napoleon Bonaparte in the Frost – Verestchaguine – J. Lapina Paris Postcard No.06 c.1905

Original antique postcard reproducing the celebrated painting by Russian battle artist Vasily Vereshchagin (Verestchaguine), depicting Napoleon Bonaparte during the catastrophic retreat from Moscow in the winter of 1812. The oval portrait captures the Emperor in a fur-lined military greatcoat and tall fur hat, his expression stern and resolute despite the devastating losses of the Russian campaign.

The caption reads: «06 — DANS LE FROID. — IN THE FROSTE. B.VERESTCHAGUINE.» Published by J. Lapina, Imp. Edit. Paris — one of the leading French postcard publishers of the Belle Époque era. Vereshchagin’s Napoleonic series became iconic representations of the 1812 campaign and remain highly regarded by collectors of militaria and art history postcards.

The reverse is blank and unused, with a divided-back layout featuring space for correspondence and address. Light age toning consistent with the period; front in good condition.