1896 Print Caton Woodville Berlin Napoleonic War Cannon Destruction Lange XEGA9

This is an original 1896 black and white halftone print of a Berlin blacksmith slamming a nail into a French cannon's touch hole, rendering it useless to the French garrison's soldiers occupying Berlin since the War of the Fourth Coalition. Earlier that day, Russian forces had entered the city and harassed the garrison there, prompting a small rebellion from the population. An angry mob of German citizens attacked several artillery units stationed on the Lange Brücke bridge, effectively destroying the guns and killing several French soldiers before being overwhelmed by Imperial soldiers. The famed blacksmith who drove the nails into the cannons would die fighting on the bridge.

After Napoleon's horrible defeat and retreat from Russia, Prussia and Austria, which had been forced into alliance with France, betrayed their treaties and joined on the side of the Russians, and together with the United Kingdoms, Portugal, Sweden, and Spain, the Sixth Coalition was formed, and would eventually remove Napoleon from power.

CONDITION

This 115+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine+. Light aging throughout. No creases. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Halftone Print; Black / White
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine+
• Dimensions: Approximately 4.5 x 6 inches; 11 x 15 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

This piece was illustrated by Woodville, R. Caton. Artist signature in print - bottom left of image.

Keywords specific to this image: Bore Brush, Sledge, Axle, Hat, Apron, Cobblestones, Shakos

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