Napoleon Burning the Flags – “Sic Transit Gloria Mundi” – Kossak – J. Lapina Paris Postcard No.323 c.1905

Antique postcard reproducing the painting by Wojciech Kossak depicting Napoleon Bonaparte seated by a campfire watching soldiers burn the army’s battle flags during the catastrophic retreat from Moscow in 1812. The Latin title “Sic transit gloria mundi” (Thus passes the glory of the world) captures the symbolic weight of the scene. Russian subtitle on reverse: “Сожженiе знаменъ” (Burning of the flags). Kossak was a celebrated Polish battle painter renowned for his Napoleonic series. Published by J. Lapina, Imp. Edit. Paris, No.323. Printed in France. Reverse blank and unused, very clean condition — no foxing, no toning. Front in Very Good condition.